Liberty County ESD #2 Gets New Fire Chief
Russell Reed Sworn in as Fire Chief of Liberty County ESD #2

Russell Reed was officially sworn in as Fire Chief of Liberty County Emergency Service District #2 (LC ESD #2) and the Hull Daisetta Raywood Fire and Rescue (HDR Fire and Rescue) during a recent ceremony conducted by the Honorable Judge Jimmy Belt, Justice of the Peace for Precinct #2, Liberty County.
An important and symbolic part of the ceremony included Chief Reed’s wife, Shelby Reed, holding the Bible as he took the oath of office in compliance with the Texas Constitution, Article XVI, Section 1. Observing the swearing-in in the background were Fred Lemond Jr., President of LC ESD #2, and Fred Freeman, Treasurer of LC ESD #2.
Chief Reed was appointed to the position by the LC ESD #2 Board following the resignation of Chief J.T. Smith, who served HDR Fire and Rescue with distinction for many years and accumulated a total of 18 years of service with the department. The Board expressed its deep gratitude to Chief Smith for his dedication and leadership and wished him well as he steps away from the role of a well-deserved rest. Chief Smith has committed to continuing to serve HDR Fire and Rescue as a volunteer, where his experience and expertise remain highly valued.
Also, in attendance but not pictured were LC ESD #2 Board members Hec Ethridge, Clayton Nugent, and Charles Kaemmerling.
Chief Reed was born in Pensacola, Florida, and moved with his family to Cleveland, Texas, at the age of 13. It was during this time, while watching his uncle serve as Fire Chief of North Liberty County, that his enthusiasm for firefighting was sparked. He graduated from Tarkington High School in 2007 and has since completed the required training and credentialing necessary to qualify for the position of Fire Chief.
Chief Reed and his wife Shelby reside in Daisetta, Texas, with their three daughters. He most recently served as Assistant Fire Chief of HDR Fire and Rescue and has worked extensively with neighboring fire departments and emergency service districts throughout the region.
The LC ESD #2 Board expressed confidence that Chief Reed brings fresh ideas, strong leadership, and renewed enthusiasm at a pivotal time in the district’s continued development. Constituents of Emergency Service District #2 can be assured that the Board remains committed to providing the highest level of fire and emergency services possible with the funds entrusted to it by the community.
Liberty County ESD #2 Participates in 2025 Daisetta Emergency Response Drill at Exxon-Mobil Facility



