HOUSTON – After a nearly six-hour Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 board meeting, community members who turned out in force to support Fire Chief Amy Ramon left without the answers they came for.
The meeting, marked by passionate public testimony, was centered on concern that Chief Ramon might be dismissed from her position.
But despite the community’s efforts, the board failed to address the agenda item tied to her future, leaving residents and Ramon herself in the dark.
A Firefighter’s Legacy
Chief Amy Ramon has served the Cy-Fair Fire Department since 1990, when she joined as a 20-year-old volunteer.
Under her leadership, the department evolved from a volunteer-based operation with 20-minute response times into a professionally staffed department responding in five minutes or less. Her efforts earned her the 2024 Fire Chief of the Year honor from the Texas Fire Chiefs Association.
But her decades of service were overshadowed last night by uncertainty.
Strong Public Support
Supporters packed the board meeting room, including local senators, members of the League of Women Voters, the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce, and concerned residents.
Many took to the podium to praise Ramon’s leadership and demand transparency from the board.
“Chief Ramon is a respected leader not only within her department but throughout our region and beyond,” said Mark Bitz with the Harris County Fire Chiefs Association.
Board Refuses to Prioritize Critical Agenda Item
Following public comments, one board member motioned to move up agenda item No. 28, which pertained to reviewing and potentially acting on a complaint against an officer or employee — widely understood to involve Chief Ramon.
“I think it’s only fair that I make a motion to move up to the items 25 to 28 immediately,” the board member stated, citing the large number of citizens present to support Ramon.
But the motion was rejected by three other board members, including the board president, leaving the item near the end of the agenda.
Closed-Door Session Ends with Silence
The meeting, which began at 6 p.m., saw the board enter closed session around 9:20 p.m. That session lasted nearly two hours.
When the board returned to open session just before 11 p.m., the contentious item was never brought up.
A fire department staff member later confirmed to KPRC 2 that the item was not discussed behind closed doors.
“I’m not sure where these complaints come from. Nobody’s been able to give me any information,” said Chris Fillmore, representing the Cy-Fair Firefighters Union. “We’re still unsure of what this closed session item complaint is about.”
Chief Ramon and her attorney declined to comment, saying they had not received any information about the alleged complaint or her employment status.
Community Demands Accountability
Supporters of Ramon described the board’s handling of the issue as part of a “political agenda” and called for the removal of partisan influence in public safety decisions.
“This should be about public service, not politics,” one attendee said.
Fillmore echoed that sentiment, saying he hopes the matter can be resolved in a way that prioritizes public safety and the continued success of the Cy-Fair Fire Department.
As the community waits for clarity, one thing remains certain: support for Chief Amy Ramon is strong.
