Friday, April 29^th, two longtime College Station Firefighters retired. Captain Chirs Poole and Driver/Operator Darryl Smith worked their last shift on the same day. College Station Firefighters will greatly miss their combined knowledge of over 50 years with the department.

Captain Poole became a College Station Firefighter in 1997. He worked his way through promotions, becoming a Captain in 2014. Captain Poole’s latest assignment had been a SAM (Safety And Medical) Officer. In this position, he worked closely with our paramedics and paramedics-in-training. Captain Poole helped create and shape the process we now use for training new paramedics to deliver the highest quality of care available to our citizens. He also was a longtime instructor at TEEX and taught many future firefighters in the TEEX Recruit Academy over the years. Captain Poole’s knowledge and mentorship leave a long-lasting mark on College Station Firefighters and countless firefighters across the state.

Driver/Operator Darryl Smith became a College Station Firefighter in 1991. Darryl practiced as a firefighter/paramedic on the ambulances for many years. He provided outstanding service to the community as a paramedic. Darryl also mentored many others who became College Station Firefighter/Paramedics. Darryl was promoted to Driver/Operator in 2005. His most recent assignment was at Station 5. He became proficient as a Tanker Driver and trained numerous firefighters and Driver/Operators on that specialty unit, a key component of Wildland responses.

We are saddened to lose the 50-plus years of knowledge they provide with these two retirements. We are grateful for all they have given to College Station Firefighters who come behind them. We will strive to meet the examples they left for delivering outstanding service to our community and our fellow Firefighters.

We are happy they have time to enjoy their retirements with their families after many years of service, and we wish them the best.

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