LEADERSHIP

Led to join the fire service at the age of 17, Chief Collard began his career in 1988 as a volunteer firefighter in the San Antonio area. Too young to even drive a fire engine at that time, he went on to graduate from the fire academy in 1990 and EMT school in 1991. Shortly after graduating from EMT school, he began his career as a full-time firefighter in Harker Heights, Texas.

During his 30+ year career, he has served in both combination and all full-time career organizations, acquiring a diverse background in the culture of the Texas fire service. In 1994, he achieved EMT-Paramedic certification and is now a Licensed Paramedic. In addition to holding numerous professional certifications with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Services Administration from the University of North Texas at Dallas.

Additionally, he possesses professional designations as a Fire Service Chief Executive Officer from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Certified Fire Executive through the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, and Certified Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

He serves on several boards, committees, and commissions, including the Executive Board of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association as the Treasurer.

Todd’s career began with North Hays County VFD in 1994, as a volunteer firefighter. Throughout the years with NHC VFD, he received numerous promotions and eventually was the very last fire chief for the then all volunteer department. During his tenure with NHC VFD, Todd received the Firefighter of the Year award four times and served on the VFD board of directors. Previously he held positions for Travis County Fire Control (TCESD4) and Horseshoe Bay Fire Department. Todd received his firefighter certification from Taylor Fire Training Academy through Austin Community College. Todd became a full time Battalion Chief for North Hays County Fire/Rescue in 2008. He is currently the Assistant Chief of Operations and has served as the interim Fire Chief twice since 2008.

Bob joined the North Hays County Volunteer Fire Department in 1995 when the department was still all volunteer. He progressed through the ranks of the NHCVFD and then the North Hays County Fire Rescue and currently serves as North Hays County Fire Rescue Assistant Chief of Volunteers. Bob is a State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association certified firefighter and a commissioned firefighter with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as well as holding certifications of Instructor I, Fire Service Inspector, Driver/Operator, Wildland FF and is an EMT. Bob has served on the NHCVFD Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, is a Texas registered professional engineer.

Assistant Chief Chas Humphrey began his career in 1991 as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for the Dimmitt Volunteer Fire Department. He soon was hired as a paid firefighter for the City of Plainview in 1995 and was sent to Taylor Fire Academy where he obtained his basic fire certification. In 1998, Chas obtained Paramedic certification and has since held several roles in the Fire/EMS including Captain, FTO, and Fleet Manager at San Marcos/Hays County EMS, Firefighter/Paramedic at Seguin FD, and Senior Paramedic/Fighter at Buda FD. In addition to these positions, Chas volunteered for over 15 years for South Hays FD where he served in many roles, including Interim Chief. In 2015, Chas joined North Hays County Fire Rescue and served as Lieutenant and then Captain before becoming Assistant Chief in 2020. Chief Humphrey holds Advanced Firefighter, Inspector, Investigator, Fire Officer 4, Fire Service Chief Executive Officer, Fire Instructor 3, Hazmat Technician, and many more certifications with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. He is a Certified Paramedic and an Instructor for the Texas Department of Health Services.

Sheri has served as the Office Manager for North Hays County Fire Rescue since 2014. In this role, she oversees human resources, payroll, employee benefits, and the department’s daily administrative operations. She also provides critical support to the Board of Directors, including managing the preparation and coordination of monthly board meetings. With a strong focus on organizational efficiency and executive support, she plays a key role in ensuring the department runs smoothly and effectively.

She is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management and holds Administrative Professional certifications from the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. Her professional development includes extensive training through the Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts.

Sheri and her husband love living in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where they have built a meaningful life. Together, they are proud parents of six adult children and recently celebrated the arrival of their first grandchild.

Brandon Polk has been in the fire service since 2010, starting as a volunteer with North Hays County Fire and Rescue (NHCFR). In 2013, he began his first career position with the Kyle Fire Department. Rising to Lieutenant, he spent eight years in a split-company assignment on both an Engine Company and Hazardous Materials Response Unit, gaining expertise in fire suppression, technical rescue, and hazmat response.

A committed advocate for training and professional development, Brandon holds multiple Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certifications and is a certified EMT and EMS Instructor. He has completed advanced courses at the National Fire Academy (NFA), specializing in incident command, fire behavior, and leadership.

Now serving as Training Officer for North Hays County Fire and Rescue, Brandon develops and leads training programs in firefighter safety, tactical proficiency, live fire training, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response. He is dedicated to mentorship, continuous learning, and operational excellence, ensuring firefighters are well-prepared for any emergency.

With over a decade of experience, Brandon is committed to enhancing firefighter preparedness and leadership, shaping the next generation of firefighters for success.

Dillon Polk serves as the Fire Marshal for North Hays County Fire Rescue, where he has dedicated over a decade to fire safety and emergency response. His career began in 2009 as a volunteer firefighter with North Hays County Fire Rescue, and for the past nine years, he has led fire prevention and investigation efforts as Fire Marshal.

Dillon holds multiple advanced certifications, including Master Structure Firefighter, Master Fire Inspector, Master Fire Investigator, Master Fire Marshal, Instructor III, Fire Officer IV, Fire and Life Safety Educator II, Driver Operator-Pumper, Driver Operator-Aerial, Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, Plan Examiner I, and Basic Wildland Firefighter.

Passionate about fire prevention and public safety, Dillon takes pride in serving the Dripping Springs, Driftwood, and Henly communities. He works to ensure residents and businesses are protected through education, enforcement, and proactive safety measures. His commitment to fire service continues to strengthen the safety and resilience of North Hays County.

Fire Inspector Jeff Foster began his career in 1999 as an infantry paratrooper in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division. After receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of E5 Sergeant, he moved to Texas where he went to work for Austin EMS in 2003 and worked as a Field and Special Operations Paramedic until 2013.

In 2014 he worked part time as a Paramedic in Marble Falls TX, and full-time as a Paramedic at St Davids South Austin ER until joining Travis County ESD 1 as a full time Firefighter/Paramedic in 2017 where he served for 8 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Driver-Operator and Lieutenant. Throughout his time with TCESD1, Jeff pursued his education, obtaining numerous TCFP certifications, including Driver-Operator: Pumper, Driver Operator: Aerial, Intermediate Structural Firefighter, Intermediate Wildland Firefighter, Incident Commander, Fire Officer II, Instructor II, Incident Safety Officer, EMS Instructor, Intermediate Fire Investigator, Intermediate Fire Inspector and Basic Fire Marshall.

Jeff is a Licensed Paramedic and holds an Associate Degree in EMS Professions from Austin Community College, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management Administration from West Texas A&M University. In 2024, he graduated from the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy, a two-year program in San Marcos TX as a Certified Fire Executive. He is currently enrolled in a Master's of Science Program in Emergency Management at Columbia Southern University, with a focus on Homeland Security.

Community Outreach Specialist Jeanine Southall started her fire career in 2010, volunteering with the Oak Hill Fire Department in Travis County as she considered changing careers to become a firefighter. After graduating from the fire academy and EMT school in 2011, Jeanine began her full-time career as a Firefighter and Driver/Pump-Operator for Travis County Fire Rescue, while at the same time earning her Advanced-EMT Certification.

Throughout the next 14 years, in addition to her full-time career, Jeanine concurrently worked part-time positions in several fire departments across Travis and Bastrop Counties (Westlake FD, Ce-Bar FD, Bastrop County ESD 1, COTA), continuing to advance her experience and knowledge across a diversity of areas and skillsets. Before coming to North Hays County Fire Rescue, Jeanine spent the previous 5 ½ years as the Training Officer for the Oak Hill Fire Department, running an annual Fire Academy, semi-annual EMT Academies, and serving as the EMS Coordinator, Community and Medical Director Liaison, and department representative in regional advisory committees.

Jeanine holds certifications such as Advanced Firefighter, Advanced-EMT, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor II, EMS Instructor, Fire and Life Safety Educator, and Basic Wildland Firefighting. She has also taken on the unique role of K9 Handler for NHCFR’s first Facility Dog, Nyx.

Jeanine has had a lifelong passion for community education and volunteer work, spending 20 years volunteering for Meals on Wheels Central Texas, working with youth organizations and the homeless, and staying active in non-profits such as Family Eldercare and The Yellow Bike Project. Jeanine is thrilled to be at NHCFR, where she finally gets to serve the community in which she lives.

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Cathy Gieselman serves as an Administrative Assistant for North Hays County Fire Rescue ESD #6, where she supports the team by coordinating essential administrative functions that ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Cathy brings extensive professional experience to her role. Her background includes positions with Datapoint/Intelogic Trace, Inc., the Dripping Springs Independent School District, more than two decades in her family-owned business, the Hays County Clerk’s Office, and the City of Dripping Springs, where she served as Deputy City Secretary. She has also held significant leadership roles in community organizations, including two years as President of the Hays County Citizens Sheriff’s Academy Alumni Association and six years with the 100 Club of Central Texas as Programs & Benefits Committee Chair and Vice Chair.

Deeply committed to service, Cathy is passionate about supporting Veterans, First Responders, the elderly, and children. She is grateful to serve those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

Cathy and her husband of 41 years are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to six precious grandchildren.

Sydney joined the department in September 2025 as the Administrative Assistant for Training and Prevention. In this role, she supports a wide range of internal department operations, including coordinating training, managing schedules, assisting with documentation, and supporting community outreach initiatives. She plays an integral role in ensuring training programs and prevention events run efficiently and effectively.

Sydney graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in International Business. Her educational background provides a strong foundation in public safety operations, organizational management, and community-focused service.

Prior to joining the department, Sydney gained valuable experience in public safety while training police K-9s, working seasonally with the Kyle Fire Department, and spent five months focused on Emergency Management with the Kyle Police Department. Her diverse background in fire service, law enforcement support, and emergency management gives her a well-rounded understanding of public safety operations.

Sydney is committed to supporting the department’s mission through organization, communication, and service to both internal personnel and the community.

In Memoriam of our beloved Coworker and Friend, Cindy Dooley, 1965-2024