Inspiring speech incoming!
Watch as AFD's own Lieutenant Robert “Smiley” McCray accepts the 2026 @AustinUnder40 Award for Civics, Government, and Public Affairs!
For 13 years, Lt. McCray has dedicated his career to serving others. His legacy is one of stepping up. He has provided consistent leadership within the Austin African American Firefighters Association, championed inclusive policies and mental health initiatives, and invested in youth through mentorship. Lieutenant McCray’s dedication to this city has proven to be unmatched.
Congratulations, Lieutenant! Your AFD family is incredibly proud of everything you do for the Austin community.
We are incredibly proud to share that AFD's own Lieutenant Robert “Smiley” McCray has been named the 2026 @AustinUnder40 winner for Civics, Government, and Public Affairs!
For 13 years, Lt. McCray has dedicated his career to serving others. His legacy is one of stepping up. He has provided consistent leadership within the Austin African American Firefighters Association, championed inclusive policies and mental health initiatives, and invested in youth through mentorship. Lieutenant McCray’s dedication to this city has proven to be unmatched.
Congratulations, Lieutenant! Your AFD family is incredibly proud of everything you do for the Austin community.
To cheers of “you got this!” and “almost there!”, Explorers from Austin Fire, Lake Travis and San Antonio competed against one another this weekend in a series of five events at the Austin Fire Training Academy. The event showcased firefighting knowledge and skills, teamwork and a camaraderie that united all three departments.
These images only reflect a fraction of the grit demonstrated by everyone who took to the field to pull tires, drag mannequins, save victims while enduring simulated black-out conditions, race up the training tower with bundles of hoses, tackle the Keiser sled and demonstrate how quickly they could put on firefighting gear. These Explorers showed themselves, each other, their families and event volunteers what it means to dig deep, and we couldn’t be prouder!
Exploring is a co-ed program open to participants aged 14 to 19 through Scouting America. The goal of the program is to introduce young people to career experiences and mentorship. If you’re interested in participating in the Austin Fire Explorers program or know someone who might be, encourage them to fill out the interest card form on the Austin Fire Explorers Post 370 page: https://bit.ly/4un4NNr
Congratulations to Austin Fire Captains DJ Walker, Matt McElearney and Lieutenant Matt Avery (not pictured) for being honored with the Sikorsky Rescue Award. The award was presented for skill, courage and heroic efforts to save lives during the July 2025 Central Texas floods.
The lateral hire application deadline is TODAY! Get your applications in by 4:00 p.m. and secure your shot at working for Austin Fire!
Visit for details.
The lateral hire application deadline is TOMORROW! This is your friendly reminder to finish your application TODAY!
Visit JoinAFD.com to learn about the benefits of working for Austin Fire and fill out an application while you are there!
Congratulations to Chief Eddie Martinez who was honored with a Career Service Award this February. Look no further for a great example of leadership, support, and service to the community.
Congratulations to Chief Eddie Martinez who was honored with a Career Service Award this February. Watch and learn how leadership, family, and legacy collide.
Marvin Douglas, Austin Fire’s fourth Black firefighter and the first Black fire inspector in Texas, celebrated his 100th birthday this weekend and we were honored to be part of it!
Mr. Douglas was hired by the department in 1953 and served at Station 5 where he worked for 14 years until the Austin Fire Prevention Division expanded, allowing additional personnel to transfer in at the rank of lieutenant. Lieutenant Douglas’ tenure as a fire inspector entailed performing building inspections, educating the public about fire safety and recruiting.
His dedication to community service continued through his work to break down racial barriers in the 1960s, mentor youth through the game of golf and later pin the badge on Austin’s first Black fire chief, Joel G. Baker.
Mr. Douglas’ life and legacy are proof that public service has no age limit.
- Historical photos courtesy of the Austin Fire Museum -
The application deadline for Austin Fire's lateral hiring process is April 22, 2026 at 4pm. Apply at JoinAFD.com before it is too late!!!
THIS MEANS YOU!!!
Leading the way, on and off the truck!
It was an absolutely incredible morning running alongside thousands of our neighbors at the annual Statesman Cap10k!
There’s nothing quite like the energy of the Austin community coming together. We loved seeing all the smiles, high-fives, and shared determination out on the course today. Our commitment to serving Austin goes far beyond responding to emergencies—it includes being active, engaged members of the community we call home.
For our firefighters, prioritizing health and wellness isn't just a requirement; it's a core value. Staying "Fit for Duty" ensures we are always ready to answer the call, and participating in events like the Cap10k allows us to lead by example, encouraging a healthier, stronger Austin.
A huge congratulations to everyone who laced up and crossed the finish line! Whether you set a personal record, walked with family, or cheered from the sidelines, you made this event special. We are grateful for your support and proud to run with you, Austin!
Also, a big thanks to @ctxpublicsafety for sponsoring our firefighters!
