08/17/2026
Brazoria County ESD No. 3 Welcomes Cedric Patterson
as Chief Fire Administrator
Brazoria County Emergency Services District No. 3 is excited to announce the appointment of Cedric D. Patterson, MBA, FSEDI, as the District’s new Chief Fire Administrator.
Patterson brings more than thirty years of progressive fire service leadership experience to BCESD3. His experience includes service as a firefighter, captain, battalion chief, assistant fire chief, and district fire chief. Most recently, he served as District Fire Chief for U.S. Navy District 3 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he led full-service fire and EMS operations across six stations supporting multiple military installations. His responsibilities included oversight of approximately 140 personnel, emergency response operations, fire prevention and community risk reduction, facilities and apparatus planning, and strategic planning.
Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to lead complex organizations, strengthen operational systems, and build effective partnerships across departments and agencies. His executive experience includes responsibility for fire suppression, EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, aviation fire protection, shipboard and waterfront firefighting, public education, succession planning, recruitment, and workforce development.
“Chief Patterson brings an exceptional combination of operational experience, executive leadership, and strategic vision to this role,” said Jeff Braun, Executive Director of Brazoria County ESD No. 3. “As our communities continue to grow, it is important that we have strong leadership focused not only on today’s needs, but also on the long-term development of our fire service partners. We are pleased to welcome him to BCESD3 and look forward to the experience and perspective he will bring to the District.”
In his new role, Patterson will work closely with BCESD3 leadership and the District’s partner fire departments to support operational readiness, training, recruitment, leadership development, long-range planning, and continued coordination among the agencies serving the District.
Patterson holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management of Organizations from the University of Houston–Victoria and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Park University. Patterson is also a graduate of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute, the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program at Mays Business School, and the National Fire Academy’s New Executive Chief Officer Course. He has served as a national and state fire service conference speaker and has published articles in national fire service trade publications.
His professional recognition includes Navy Fire Chief of the Year, Navy Large Fire Department of the Year, Navy Fire Prevention Program of the Year, and Regional Civilian Fire Officer of the Year.
Chief Patterson and his wife have four children, 26 (daughter), 25 (son), and 15-year-old twin daughters. His mother, siblings, and extended family reside in Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties. He and his family are pleased to be coming home.
“Brazoria County ESD No. 3 and our partner departments are committed to providing the highest level of fire and emergency services possible to the communities we serve,” Braun added. “Chief Patterson’s leadership will be an important part of continuing that commitment as we plan for the future.”
BCESD3 looks forward to introducing Chief Patterson to the community, partner agencies, and local leaders in the coming weeks as he begins his new role with the District.
Brazoria County Emergency Services District No. 3 (BCESD3) provides funding and support for fire protection and emergency medical services to communities within its 650 sq. mile service area in northern Brazoria County. Working in partnership with local fire and EMS departments, the District is committed to strengthening emergency response capabilities, supporting first responders, and ensuring the communities it serves have access to high-quality emergency services. BCESD3 is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners and is dedicated to responsible stewardship, strong community partnerships, and meeting the evolving public safety needs of a growing region.
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