LITTLE ELM, TX (March 3, 2020). The Town of Little Elm has a new fire chief.  

Paul Rust will start with the Little Elm Fire Department in April. 

Rust, who has over 27 years of experience, began his fire service career in 1993, serving as a firefighter with Waxahachie, where he rose through the ranks to Battalion Chief.

Rust was then hired in 2009 as Fire Chief for Weatherford, a position he held for the last 11 years.

While in Weatherford, Rust spent time improving emergency services, expanding fire prevention, and furthering fire safety education. During his tenure, he also developed partnerships with nearby departments to provide regional emergency services to multiple municipalities.

Rust was selected from a pool of more than 60 highly-qualified candidates in a nationwide search.

Assistant Town Manager and Public Safety Director Joe Florentino commented on Rust joining the department, "I think he will be an excellent addition to the department and exemplify the Town’s mission of Servant Leadership and its Core Values," he said.

Rust is also looking forward to joining the LEFD, building relationships, and playing an active role in the community.

"I am ready to get in and get started," he said.