Assistant Chief Michael Cota has been an integral part of the Midland Fire Department since February 1996. His diverse career in suppression, starting as a Firefighter and progressing to an Investigator in the Fire Marshal's Office, has allowed him to contribute significantly to various disciplines within the City of Midland. Chief Cota holds TCFP Master certifications in Firefighting, Arson Investigation, and Fire Inspection, along with certifications as a Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I. He maintains an EMT-I and Peace Officer license. Chief Cota is a distinguished graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy and has completed the Certified Public Manager program through Texas Tech University. He holds an associate’s degree from Midland College.
As a member of the executive administrative staff, Chief Cota's responsibilities include overseeing the Community Risk Reduction program and managing the Fire Marshal's Office. In this role, he adeptly balances relationships with internal and external resources to positively impact the lives of the city's citizens. Chief Cota is also tasked with managing departmental functions, including policies, budgets, health and wellness initiatives, and strategic planning.
Additionally, Chief Cota holds a longstanding position on the Board of Midland Municipal Employee's Credit Union. Outside his professional duties, he invests his spare time mentoring young athletes.