Bret has more than 30 years in the fire service. He began his career with Dallas Fire-Rescue and spent time in every rank during his career there. In 2019, he was appointed to the rank of Executive Assistant Chief, Chief of Staff which was second in command. He left Dallas Fire Rescue after 29+ years to become the Fire Chief here in Arlington. Bret holds numerous certifications, including being a Texas Fire Chiefs Association Certified Fire Executive, Master Firefighter and Instructor III Master from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. In addition to graduating as a rescue specialist from Texas A&M Engineering Extension at Texas A&M University, he holds an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Administration from Weatherford College, a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Fire Administration from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas.