Sunnyvale, Texas, has made history by appointing FRBHI’s own Tami Kayea as its new fire chief. Kayea is the first female fire chief for Sunnyvale and one of only five women leading full-time fire departments in Texas.
In an interview with Fox 4 News, Chief Kayea reflected on her remarkable journey, saying, “I had always thought about one day being a chief. Though I never really thought about leaving [Dallas Fire-Rescue]. Even when this came out, I wasn’t actively looking.”
Her career path took an unexpected turn early on. A former high school English teacher, Kayea, explained, “I actually was a high school teacher first, taught sophomore and senior English, and worked during the summer with some off-duty firefighters. And they’re the ones who said, ‘Forget teaching. You need to join the fire department.’”
As a fourth-generation firefighter, Chief Kayea has deep roots in the profession. Her father, Terry Bloss, expressed his pride in her achievements, telling Fox 4 News, “It’s just amazing to see how she’s come through all the years.”
Chief Kayea has an impressive resume that includes her service as a paramedic and her leadership during critical moments, such as the tragic shooting in Dallas on July 7, 2016. On that date, five police officers were killed, and nine others were injured. When reflecting on the incident, the Chief stated, “It certainly impacted all of us, and it’s one of those events that stays with you.”
Chief Kayea also shared her vision for Sunnyvale, a growing community with evolving needs. “As they grow, and they start to need more services and different services, my experience from Dallas, having provided a greater variety of service, I’m hoping can really benefit the town here,” she told Fox 4 News.
Beyond her professional life, Kayea is a wife, mother, grandmother, and woodworking enthusiast. Her dedication to both her family and her career serves as an inspiration to many.
Congratulations to Chief Tami Kayea on this historic achievement!
