IRVING, TX - This January marks a historic double-milestone for Irving Fire Chief Victor Conley, who is celebrating four decades of service to the City of Irving and his recent induction into the prestigious Texas Fire Service Hall of Honor.
Chief Conley was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday, January 11, 2026, during the Hall of Honor Dinner in San Marcos. Held in conjunction with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Leadership Development Symposium, the award is reserved for individuals whose careers have fundamentally shaped the emergency service landscape in Texas.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Chief Conley’s journey began on January 26, 1986, when he first joined the Irving Fire Department. Over the next 28 years, he rose through every rank, eventually being named Fire Chief in 2014. Under his visionary leadership, the department reached elite status:
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ISO Class 1 Rating: Achieved the highest possible performance rating, placing Irving in the top tier of fire departments nationwide.
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Best Practices Trailblazer: Irving became the first department in the state to earn the Texas Fire Chiefs Association’s Recognized Best Practices designation.
The "Blocker Program" Legacy
One of Conley’s most significant contributions to first responder safety is the Blocker Program. This innovative initiative repurposes retired fire engines into designated "blocker units" that shield emergency crews working on high-speed highways.
What began as a local solution in Irving to prevent secondary crashes has since been adopted by departments across Texas and the United States, saving countless lives of firefighters and police officers nationwide.
A Visionary Leader
David Coatney, agency director for TEEX, praised Conley as a "critical leader" whose impact spans the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond.
"Chief Conley’s Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting recognition of a career defined by forward-leaning service and visionary leadership," Coatney said. "He has committed to identifying and mitigating risks... whether through safety innovations or advocacy for firefighter health."
The Hall of Honor
Conley was inducted alongside San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens and Kaufman Fire Chief Rhea Cooper. His name and achievements will be permanently displayed at the Brayton Fire Training Field in College Station, the world-renowned training facility hosted by TEEX.
Chief Conley's influence continues through his leadership roles in the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, Dallas County Fire Chiefs, and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, ensuring his legacy of safety and professionalism guides the next generation of Texas firefighters.
