Fire Chiefs

Cande Flores became the City of Abilene’s Fire Chief on June 1, 2018. He was born and raised in Abilene and has over 25 years of experience in the fire service. He graduated from Abilene High School and has attended Hardin-Simmons University and Cisco College. He previously led the Abilene Fire Department’s Support Services Division. This included procurement and maintenance of the department’s facilities, apparatus, supplies and equipment. 

Chief Flores also managed Fire Prevention, Training/Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Organizational Development, and Data Management personnel. Chief Flores is a Paramedic, a Basic EMS Coordinator and has several certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. His goal is to provide the citizens of Abilene with a Fire Department that excels in customer service and operational readiness.

Deputy Chief Mike Burden began his career with the Abilene Fire Department in 1991. He is a graduate of Abilene High School and has over 25 years of experience in the fire service. Chief Burden has earned an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology from Cisco College and holds many fire certifications. He is a strong believer in hard work, and strives to make the Abilene Fire Department a better place for future generations. Chief Burden oversees our Emergency Services Division.

Deputy Chief John Brunett grew up in Miami, Florida and is a graduate of American Senior High School.  He served 6 years in the United States Air Force before joining the Abilene Fire Department in 1995.  Chief Brunett has attended Texas A & M-San Antonio and Cisco College, and holds many certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, as well as being a licensed Texas peace officer.  He was named the National Firefighter of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2015.  Chief Brunett was appointed to Deputy Chief in June 2018 and oversees our Support Services Division.