Aaron C. Ward serves as the Fire Division Chief of Guadalupe County Fire Rescue (GCFR), where he oversees department operations and provides strategic leadership to support a rapidly growing community. Appointed to lead the organization during a period of expansion, Chief Ward is focused on strengthening operational readiness, enhancing professional standards, and positioning GCFR as the leading fire and emergency services agency in Guadalupe County.

With over 19 years of experience in the fire service, Chief Ward has held progressive roles in fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire prevention, and training. Prior to his current position, he served as Assistant Fire Marshal for the City of Selma, where he managed the Fire Prevention Bureau. He continues to serve as a Fire Instructor with the Texas Fire Academy, contributing to the development of current and future firefighters and officers.

Chief Ward is recognized for his commitment to a “community-first” approach, emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and service excellence. His leadership philosophy centers on building strong teams, fostering interagency collaboration, and ensuring the highest level of public safety through proactive planning and training.

He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) from the University of Texas at Tyler and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Chief Ward is also a graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association Fire Chiefs Academy (2024), further advancing his executive leadership capabilities within the fire service.

Chief Ward remains dedicated to continuous improvement, organizational growth, and serving the citizens of Guadalupe County with integrity and professionalism.