At a young age, Tyler saw his dad work as a volunteer firefighter. He knew that once he graduated high school, he was going to join the brotherhood.
"We are in an all-hazards occupation. We respond to pretty much any call that we get from house fires to squirrels in attics."
Tyler
has been with Odessa Fire Rescue for 18 years. During these years, he has been a part of many great things, such as the Swat team, the hazmat team, and starting the peer support program.
"I felt like I needed to create the peer support program, seeing other firefighters struggling and not having another avenue they were comfortable with."
When Captain Houchin is not at the fire station, you can find him fighting for firefighter-friendly legislation in the halls of the Texas Capitol in Austin.
Recently, Captain Houchin got some exciting news. He is getting promoted to Division Captain this Sunday!
"It's humbling to be in the positions my mentors were once in. I hope to help the younger firefighters find their way just as my mentors helped me."
Congratulations, Captain Tyler Houchin!