On May 31 John Bilbo becomes the new Fire Chief for the City of Orange. It’s a position that the long time fireman says he’s ready for.
“I’m ready for the challenge,” Bilbo said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better situation to come in to. Chief Frenzel left the department in great shape. We have great facilities and employees and I’m appreciative to the council for giving me the job.”
David Frenzel retired this year after 25 years as Chief. Bilbo joined the Orange Fire Dept. in August 2000.
“After graduating from Little Cypress-Mauriceville I went into the Army and stayed in until 1999 and decided I was ready to come home,” he said. “I had a conversation with my Sunday School teacher Kenny Parsons, who at the time was a Captain. I went to the academy and then joined Station One in 2000.”
Bilbo, 49, moved up through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 2005 and Battalion Chief in 2014. He’s also held the title of Fire Marshal. Bilbo has been through numerous training courses, earning certificates and degrees along the way, and even becoming an Occupational Safety and Health instructor.
When asked about taking over the job just as hurricane season officially begins, Bilbo said basically “no sweat.” “We’ve been through so many weather situations lately everyone on staff pretty much knows what to do.”
He will be naming his deputy chief soon. The Chief Deputy duties will include being in charge of Emergency Management for the city. And the department will also have a couple of openings for Battalion Chief which will also require passing a test for those wanting to be in consideration. The department currently carries four Battalion Chiefs and 10 Captains.
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