Corpus Christi City Manager Skip Noe has recommended that acting Fire Chief Richard Hooks be appointed to the position on a permanent basis. Hooks, a 23-year veteran of the department, has been serving as interim chief sinceformer chief J.J. Adame left in February.

"These are truly difficult decisions because we have many qualified folks inside our departments to select from," Noe said. Hooks's experience overseeing the emergency operations center helped him stand out from the rest of the candidates, according to Noe.

Hooks would inherit a department of nearly 400 uniformed firefighters and paramedics that he describes as exceptional, with no major problems but a number of areas upon which to improve. Before making any changes, however, Hooks said he would want to visit each station and talk to those in the field to get their feelings on what changes, if any, are needed most.

The city council is expected to approve the Noe’s recommendation of Hooks at its next meeting on Sept. 12.