El Paso Fire Chief Samuel Peña has been tapped as Houston's new fire chief, replacing Interim Fire Chief Rodney West, sources said Thursday.
Peña, 45, has led El Paso's fire department for three years.
If approved by City Council, he would come to Houston in the midst of a contentious fire pension negotiation and as firefighters continue to voice concern about aging facilities and calls for new equipment.
Houston's fire union stressed those challenges Thursday while urging Peña to stand up to City Hall officials.