The longest active deputy chief in the history of the Houston Fire Department is retiring. Deputy Chief K.B. Whitehorn will celebrate his 49 years with HFD on Saturday, October 23 at Fire Station 8, 1919 Louisiana.

Although Whitehorn is known for being a deputy chief for 32 years, he is also known by almost everyone within the department as a good friend, a hard worker and a strong leader.

After entering the department in 1961, he quickly made Chauffer (now called Engineer Operator), a job he truly enjoyed. He decided to compete for the next rank and became a captain in 1968, followed by senior captain in 1970 and district chief in 1972.

His brother Arnold Whitehorn also served as a deputy chief with HFD and has since retired. The family is continuing its tradition, with Chief Whitehorn’s nephew, Steven Whitehorn, currently serving as a HFD district chief at Station 15.

Very few have served to protect property and save lives as long as Chief K.B. Whitehorn has. Since his career began in 1961, he has seen the department undergo numerous advancements and changes, including the addition of EMS services in the early 70s, the annexation of the Almeda-Genoa, Alief and Kingwood areas and the construction of 34 fire stations.