Rhea Cooper back as Brenham's Interim Fire Chief

A former interim chief for the Brenham Fire Department has returned to serve in the role again.

During City Manager Carolyn Miller’s report at Thursday’s city council meeting, she announced that Rhea Cooper has been named the department’s interim fire chief while the city searches for a new full-time chief, following the resignation of chief Roger Williams and the retirement of assistant chief Brian Scheffer.  Cooper’s first day back was Tuesday.

Cooper formerly served as the department’s temporary chief from May to October of 2021.  He says he is happy to be able to assist the department and the city in any ways needed.

Cooper served in the Lubbock Fire Department for over 31 years, retiring as chief in 2009.  He also worked with the Texas A&M Forest Service for six years as an assistant chief, where he helped respond to wildfire events across Texas and the nation.  During his time there, he served on the Lone Star State Incident Management Team.  He was also a training officer for a brief time in the Morgan’s Point Resort Fire Department.  He currently lives in Temple.

Also at the meeting, Miller recognized Brett Schroeder, who is presently serving as the fire department’s interim assistant chief.  Schroeder joined the department in 2001 as a volunteer and had most recently served as captain.