The Midland Fire Department will hold a promotion ceremony for the department’s newest assistant fire chiefs. The promotion ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 31 in the engine bay of Central Station (1500 W. Wall St.).
Charles Blumenauer will be promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations, and Manuel “Corky” Heredia Jr. will be promoted to Assistant Chief of Support Services. Blumenauer is replacing former Assistant Chief of Operations Fritz Niggeler, who recently retired, and Heredia will replace the position vacated by current Interim Fire Chief Chip Balzer.
Blumenauer began his career with the Midland Fire Department in 1998 and served in all ranks including Captain and Administrative Battalion Chief before his latest promotion. Blumenauer holds state certifications as a licensed paramedic, EMS Instructor, TCFP Master Firefighter, Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor II and is also a graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy. He earned an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology as well as a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, each from Midland College. Blumenauer will oversee MFD’s shift operations for both fire and EMS, fleet management and facilities.
Heredia has risen through the ranks since joining MFD in August 1991 and holds state certifications as a licensed paramedic, EMS Instructor, TCFP Master Firefighter, Fire Officer II and Fire Instructor III. He earned an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology from Midland College. Heredia will oversee MFD’s training division, records division, and human resource functions, as well as budgeting, policies, and the majority of EMS activities.
