The city of Waco announced two new appointments Thursday: Scott Walker as the next fire chief of the Waco Fire Department, pending confirmation at the July 2 city council meeting, and Roberto Zapata as new director of the Waco-McLennan County Library.
Selected from a national pool of 60 applicants, Walker lands in Waco after more than 30 years of fire service experience with the Phoenix Fire Department, according to a city news release. Walker has been the executive assistant fire chief since 2019 in Phoenix, the fifth largest city in the United States.
Walker has an “impressive record of service and exemplary leadership in fire and emergency services,” Waco City Manager Bradley Ford said in the news release.
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“I am happy to recommend Scott Walker to the City Council for consideration as our next fire chief,” Ford wrote. “Scott has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public safety and community involvement.
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“His innovative approach and strategic vision align with our city's goals, and I am confident that he will build on the strong foundation of our department, continue to improve the safety and well-being of our residents, and lead our department from firefighters to new levels of excellence.
Several current and former Waco firefighters gathered to share their experiences and memories of firefighting and other rescues as the Waco Fire Department prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary on Monday, April 3 6 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station One, 100 Peach St. , featuring current, former and retired firefighters as well as invited members of the public.
Walker has a bachelor's degree in public safety and emergency management from Grand Canyon University, as well as an associate's degree in fire science from Phoenix Community College, the news release said.
His selection included 40 participants in stakeholder panels and city management interviews, where he highlighted his commitment to the development of peers and subordinates, the press release said.
Kevin McGee has served as Waco's interim fire chief since December, his second stint in the role. Former Chief Gregory Summers announced his retirement in October after more than three years in Waco and more than 40 years in the fire service, primarily in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Zapata, meanwhile, brings more than 20 years of experience in library administration, programming and community engagement, according to a separate press release. He will take office on July 22.
Zapata served as assistant director of customer experience at the Houston Public Library, where she managed the operations of more than 30 locations and 300 staff members. Prior to Houston, he was the assistant director of public services at the McAllen Public Library, according to the press release.
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“An unwavering commitment to positive outcomes for students and equitable opportunities for community members is a north star, and I am excited to make Waco my destination,” Zapata said in the news release. “I look forward to charting a course with colleagues and all we serve to ensure the Waco McLennan County Library is a vibrant and inclusive space for discovery, creativity and sustainability.”
Zapata has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master of Information Resources and Library Science from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin, according to has reported the press release.
He is also an instructor for the Texas Library Association's LAUNCH program serving library professionals in the first five years of their careers and is involved in several library associations and leadership institutes.
“We are delighted to welcome Roberto Zapata as our city's new library director,” Ford said in the news release. “Roberto brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to literacy, community engagement and innovative programming. His vision of the library as a community center aligns perfectly with our goals of improving public service and fostering a love of learning among all residents.”
