safety
Belton Fire Chief announces retirement after more than three decades of fire service
By Toni Marie at FOX 44 News (KWKT)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
BELTON, Texas (FOX 44) - It's time to start planning the Chief's retirement party! Belton Fire Chief Jon Fontenot has officially notified Belton City Manager Sam Listi that he plans to retire from the Belton Fire Department effective July 31, 2026. The statement from the City of Belton says Fonte...
Key takeaway Belton Fire Chief Jon Fontenot has officially notified Belton City Manager Sam Listi that he plans to retire from the Belton Fire Department effective July 31, 2026.
Why this matters in The Waco
Belton Fire Chief Jon Fontenot's retirement announcement marks the end of an era for the city's fire department, with over three decades of service coming to a close. As the city begins its search for a new fire chief, residents can expect a thorough review of candidates to ensure a smooth transition. The Belton City Manager, Sam Listi, will likely play a key role in this process, working to identify a replacement who can build on Fontenot's legacy. With the retirement effective July 31, 2026, the city has a few months to find and onboard a new chief, allowing for some overlap and knowledge transfer. This transition will be worth watching, as the new chief will face the challenges of leading a fire department in a growing city, where public safety needs are continually evolving. The city's approach to filling this critical position will be closely followed by the community.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 44 News (KWKT) . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 44 News (KWKT) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 44 News (KWKT) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Waco stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BELTON, Texas (FOX 44) - It's time to start planning the Chief's retirement party! Belton Fire Chief Jon Fontenot has officially notified Belton City Manager Sam Listi that he plans to retire from the Belton Fire Department effective July 31, 2026. The statement from the City of Belton says Fonte...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by FOX 44 News (KWKT) and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Toni Marie at FOX 44 News (KWKT). To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter