The City of Boerne announced Monday the retirement of Boerne Fire Chief Ray Hacker.
Chief Hacker will be retiring on October 21 following a 40-year career in fire service.
“I am incredibly proud of the men and women who comprise the Boerne Fire Department and what they accomplish every day,” Chief Hacker said. “From facing the dangers and challenges of fire calls and serving during a pandemic, to proactively reaching out to the community to better educate and engage our residents, they always rise to the challenge.”
During his time as Fire Chief, he has overseen the continued growth of the fire department and planning for the next several years when the department will add a new fire station. He also oversaw a historic first when he brought on the department’s first full-time paid female firefighter.
With a goal of community participation, he expanded the department’s involvement in community events such as open houses, citizens fire academy, fundraisers for breast cancer awareness month and back-to-school supply drives.
Hacker grew up in Boerne and graduated from Boerne High School. Before joining the Boerne Fire Department, he spent 24 years working for the New Braunfels Fire Department and oversaw 28 firefighters as a Fire Captain. He joined the Boerne Fire Department in a part-time capacity in 2003. He came on full-time in 2006 as a training officer before being promoted to Assistant Chief in 2008 and lastly as Fire Chief in 2020.
Upon his promotion to Chief, he seamlessly stepped in and continued to help the Boerne community as it navigated the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the department administered thousands of COVID-19 tests and were active in our COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
“With more than 40 years of firefighting experience there is no doubt Chief Hacker has a servant’s heart,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “I am thankful for his commitment to serving our residents in leadership roles over the last 15 years as our Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief.”
The Boerne native will remain in the community and says he and his wife look forward to the next chapter in their lives surrounded by family and friends.
Chief Hacker, 60, has served as chief since June 2020.
The City will begin the hiring process for the next fire chief in future months.