Speakers

Jack “J.” Taylor has served as Fire Chief of the Pearland Fire Department since May 2022. A 33-year veteran of the fire service, Taylor previously led the Town of Trophy Club, TX, as Fire Chief and served the City of Irving, TX, for 25 years—rising through the ranks to the role of Assistant Chief before retiring.

At the Pearland Fire Department, Chief Taylor’s leadership centers on mastering “back-to-the-basics” training, reinforced with “smartly aggressive” fireground tactics. PFD is a progressive, all-hazards department delivering advanced life support (ALS) EMS with full transport capabilities. The department serves a rapidly growing city of more than 145,000 residents and covers a total response area of nearly 160,000, including extraterritorial jurisdictions within Brazoria County.

In addition to his fire service career, Taylor is a professional actor, published author, and accomplished speaker. His screen credits include appearances in major TV and film projects such as Breaking Bad, Prison Break, Friday Night Lights, and My All American. He also enjoyed a distinguished 20-year tenure as an NCAA Division I football official, retiring from the Southeastern Conference after 20 consecutive postseason assignments. His final officiating appearance was the 2018 College Football Playoff National Semifinal between Clemson and Notre Dame.

Chief Taylor currently serves as 3rd Vice President of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association and is set to serve as TFCA President in 2028. He holds numerous fire and EMS certifications and earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. He and his wife, Staci, reside in Pearland and are the proud parents of two grown sons, Jack and Nick.