Officers
Chief Jerry Taylor
Chief Taylor has 26 years serving the people of Newark and surrounding areas. Taylor works full time as an EMS provider for Wise County EMS. He brings 16 years of EMS experience to the Chief position. Chief Taylor has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. He lives by the saying "The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Assistant Chief Ed Hawthorne
Assistant Chief Hawthorne has been with the NFD for 6 years. During that time he has expanded and improved the training and safety programs. Hawthorne brings over 25 years of fire service experience to the position. When not volunteering his time to Newark, Asst Chief Hawthorne works as a Fire Protection Consultant. He graduated from Oklahoma State University's Fire Protection Program.
Chief James Edgemon (Retired)
Chief James Edgemon has dedicated his life to the service of his community. He has 58 years serving on NFD. No one has served longer than Chief Edgemon. He retired from General Motors where he held nearly every assembly position at some point in his career. Chief Edgemon has 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren.
Captain Brett Davis
Captain B Davis has 18 years with the Newark FD in multiple roles. Davis served 3 years a lieutenant and 3 year as captain. Captain Davis held the position of treasurer for 6 years. He works for Kenworth as a salesman. He enjoys traveling, camping, time on the coast, boating, and spending time with his friends and family.
Captain Justin Davis
Captain J Davis has 18 years with the Newark FD in increasing levels of leadership. NFD benefits from his 18 yrs experience in public transportation and traffic safety. He works full time with Crossroads LP. Crossroads LP specializes in barricades, signs, and traffic safety services. Outside of work he enjoys baseball, football, and fire training. His hobbies are motorcycles, fishing, camping and anything outdoors. Capt. Davis is a father of 7 with his first grandchild on the way.
EMS Captain Rusty Peace
Lieutenant Peace is a 3rd year officer for Newark. He brings 25 years of Fire and EMS experience to the Lieutenant and Infection Control Officer positions. Capt. Peace also leads our EMS training program. Peace is a full time Paramedic in Organ Transplant Healthcare.
Lieutenant Jay Killough
Lieutenant Killough has protected the Newark fire district for 35 years. Killough first joined NFD in 1986. He was the first firefighter to receive the NFD Member of the Year award. Lt. Killough has served NFD in many roles including Assistant Chief, Captain and Lieutenant. His full time occupation is foreman and certified welder and foreman with Elite Metal. When off duty he can be found riding his Harley.
Lieutenant John Torres
Lieutenant Torres has been with NFD for 2 years. He has also served as a volunteer firefighter in the Jollyville, Volente, and Baird fire departments for a total of 25 years. He served four years on the board of directors for ESD district #1 in Williamson county. Additionally, he was appointed Travis County ESD 14 Commissioner. Torres is a small business owner with a business degree from the University of Texas. He has 4 children. In his free time he enjoys traveling, fishing, and camping.