At last week’s city council meeting, Mayor Jim Chiles honored longtime Wimberley Fire and Rescue Chief Czichos by designating December 31, 2025 as Fire Chief Carroll Czichos Day.
From the proclamation, Chiles read that Czichos has “faithfully served the Wimberley community for more than five decades through his distinguished career with the Wimberley Fire Department., demonstrating unwavering commitment, courage and leadership.”
“Czichos has been a defining presence in local emergency services for 55 years and steadily guided the department with professionalism, integrity and deep knowledge of the unique risks facing the Wimberley Valley. In addition to his fire services, he earned his Peace Officer’s license in 1994 and achieved the designation of Master Peace Officer in 2014, further expanding his ability to protect and serve the public.
“Czichos,” Chiles continued, “is a qualified swift water rescue trainer and has used that expertise to prepare countless first responders for the dangers posed by the Blanco River and surrounding waterways, strengthening regional rescue capabilities. He also served as Deputy County Fire Marshal, bringing extended, extensive experience to county-wide safety inspection and emergency preparedness efforts. During the catastrophic 2015 Blanco River flood, Chief provided decisive and life saving leadership, calling for evacuations, coordinating rescue operations, communicating warnings and later advocating for improved flood warning systems to protect future generations.”
The proclamation went on to note the Chief’s responses to numerous significant incidents, including the Cypress Creek Cafe fire.
Chief Czichos was also recognized for his humility and service, by accepting recognitions on behalf of all first responders, veterans and community members which underscored his belief in teamwork and shared commitment to public safety.
Czichos has been honored with a certificate of special congressional recognition and rescue, three Lifetime Achievement Awards and numerous community commendations, “reflecting the deep respect and admiration he has earned.”
Before handing a framed copy of the proclamation to Czichos, Chiles concluded the presentation by saying, “The city of Wimberley extends its deepest gratitude and warmest congratulations upon his retirement with sincere appreciation for his decades of sacrifice, mentorship and unwavering commitment to the people of Wimberley.”
