LOCAL LEADERS
For nearly 30 years, Johnny Fisher has been serving San Angelo with a heart for helping others. He now leads as Assistant Fire Chief of Operations for the San Angelo Fire Department, overseeing eight stations and ambulances that cover 1,500 square miles.
Fisher believes leadership is defined not by rank, but by character.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re up high in your organization. No matter where you work or what you do — anyone can be a leader.”
That passion for service has shaped each step of his career.
The Journey Here
Before joining SAFD in 1996, Fisher worked as a teacher’s aide for children with disabilities. Encouraged by a fellow churchgoer to pursue fire and EMS work, he quickly found his calling.
By 1998, he was also serving as a flight medic with Shannon – a role he held for two decades alongside his fire service.
“I like being a public servant,” he said. “And I just like to help people when I can.”
A Day in the Life
As assistant chief, Fisher oversees operations for SAFD, including coordinating personnel and directing station assignments, addressing internal and external concerns, and overseeing the training center.
“We’re also part of the TIFFMAS Program,” Fisher explained. “We can respond anywhere, even outside of Texas, like California.”
TIFFMAS, the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, allows San Angelo crews to respond elsewhere in dire circumstances.
In 2018, Fisher joined a crew deployed to California to help battle the Woosley Fire, a reminder of how far away San Angelo’s firefighters can be called to serve.
Closer to home, SAFD recently added its first two swift-water rescue boats, expanding the department’s capacity to respond to flooding and water emergencies.
Challenges and Rewards
Fisher said the work comes with hardships.
“Just seeing some of the stuff we see is hard,” he said. “There’s a lot on the medical side and the fire side.”
But the rewards are just as powerful. Fisher recalls the joy from visiting schools and educating students about fire prevention in his early years at the department.
“They get so excited when they see a fireman or firetruck – getting to work with the children, and getting to see how excited they are, that’s the best.”
And in the most serious moments, he said saving a life makes it all worth it.
“If you do CPR on somebody, and you happen to get a pulse back, and then they recover and get back to somewhat of a normal life – that’s very, very rewarding to see.”
Beyond the firehouse, Fisher encourages residents to take practical steps to protect themselves.
Safety and Prevention Tips
Noting that prevention is just as important as response, Fisher offers theses reminders for households:
- Smoke Alarms – Always make sure you have a smoke alarm that works, has batteries, and that you can hear.
- Have a plan – Practice your safety plan with members of your household and make sure to have multiple exits in case of emergency.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm – If you have gas appliances, make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm.
- Outlets – Don’t overload electrical outlets.
- Heating Lamps – if you leave animals outside with heating lamps, ensure protective covers and safe placement; never place them near combustible materials.
- Space heaters – Keep at least 2-3 feet clear in every direction, and invest in one with safety features built in (shuts off when tipped over)
- Right charger for the right job – Always use the correct cords, chargers, and batteries for appliances or vehicles.
Health and Wellness Initiatives
According to Fisher, there are three major health concerns firefighters face: heart attacks, cancer, and mental health.
The department has introduced annual cancer screenings, fitness programs to improve heart health, and mental-health support including chaplains, counseling, and access to confidential peer-support teams.
“Mental health is a big thing in the fire service,” Fisher explained. “You see a lot of things that most people never see in their lifetime, so sometimes those things are hard to deal with.”
As for his personal approach to maintaining mental health, Fisher turns to his faith and his family.
“First and foremost, I believe in a higher power. I believe in Jesus Christ, and I have a family that supports me.”
For Fisher, leadership means lifelong learning and continual growth.
“There’s always something to train on,” he said, noting the ever-evolving strategies, equipment, and technology of the field. “Keep striving and learn all you can.”
Outside of work, when he can find the time, Fisher enjoys getting outdoors and spending time with his family. But whether at home or on duty, he is focused on service.
“A leader is somebody that sets a good example that is respectful, that has empathy towards others, and that treats people fairly and kind,” Fisher said.
And after nearly three decades of service, he leads by this example every day.
