Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief David Coatney's first 14 months on the job were a scorcher for his department.
The July 7 police ambush happened shortly after he was hired from Round Rock. Complaints about decaying fire stations were prevalent. Uncertainty over their pensions led to an exodus of firefighters and left more strain on those left behind to cope with upticks in emergency calls. And in May, a firefighter was shot on the job and nearly died.
But for all that has gone wrong, association leaders, commanders and city officials have gushed about Coatney. "He's an innovator. He comes with ideas for solutions, not just identification of problems," Assistant City Manger Jon Fortune said.