Governor Greg Abbott Appoints Four To Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Sue De Villez, Paul Hamilton, Kelly Vandygriff, and Rusty Wilson to the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for terms set to expire on February 1, 2025. The Commission develops and enforces statewide fire service standards and provides education and assistance to the industry.
Sue De Villez of Georgetown is a retired nurse. She is a life member of the South Atlantic Region of National Garden Clubs and The Garden Club of Kentucky Inc. She was a founding member of All Thumbs Garden Club and remains a regular member of Open Gate Garden Club in Paducah, Kentucky. She also was an active volunteer for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America and a former board member of the Kentuckiana Girl Scout Council. De Villez received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Indiana University.
Paul Hamilton of Amarillo works for Bushland ISD and volunteers with the Potter County Fire and Rescue. Previously, he served as the Assistant Chief for the Hereford Volunteer Fire Department. He is past president of the State Firemen and Fire Marshals’ of Texas and the Panhandle Fireman and Fire Marshal of Texas. Hamilton graduated from Hereford High School and then was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
Kelly Vandygriff of Abernathy is the Fire Chief for the Abernathy Volunteer Fire Department, where he has served the last 30 years. He is past president of the West Texas Fire and Arson Investigators Association and the Panhandle Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association. Currently, he is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators. Vandygriff graduated from Abernathy High School.
Rusty Wilson of Katy is the Fire Chief for the City of Katy. He is a member of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, and has served on the State Board of Directors with Special Olympics Texas and as Medical Coordinator for Special Olympics Texas Summer Games since 2007. Previously, he volunteered for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Wilson received a Bachelor of Science in emergency administration and planning from the University of North Texas and a Master of Science in fire and emergency management administration from Oklahoma State University.