Texarkana, Texas, names Black interim fire chief

Former Chief Schlotter takes job in Aubrey, Texas by Gazette Staff 

 Texarkana Texas Fire Department Interim Chief Chris Black

TEXARKANA, Texas -- The city on Saturday named Chris Black as Interim Chief of the Texarkana Texas Fire Department.

The change comes after the position was vacated by former Chief Eric Schlotter, who recently accepted a new position as fire chief for Aubrey, Texas, according to a City Hall news release.

Black began his career as a firefighter in 1997 with TTFD. During his 25 years of service, he has held many roles in the department, including driver engineer, captain, fire marshal and assistant fire chief.

He holds a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from Texas A&M University-Texarkana and graduated from the Texas Fire Chief Academy in June 2014.

City Manager David Orr gave his congratulations on Black's new appointment.

"We welcome this new change and are fortunate to have someone with such skill and experience step into this role.

"Interim Chief Black brings many years of dedication and service to our fire department, and we are happy to have him lead us through this transition," Orr said.