The Administration Division is comprised of a staff of three which includes the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal and an Executive Assistant. Our administration responds to change, solves problems and collaborates on issues, assesses community needs and resources required to meet those needs, and formulates plans to provide comprehensive and cost-effective services to our customers—the citizens of Red Oak. These personnel are also responsible for strategic and budgetary planning, quality assurance, the setting of policies, and overall management of all departmental activities.

Fire Chief Ben Blanton

Chief Blanton is a 24-year veteran of the fire service.  After finding his passion for the fire service while volunteering for the Red Oak Fire Department in the mid-’90s, he joined the Atlanta Texas Fire Department full time in 1997. In 1998 he joined the Rowlett Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic where he worked his way up to Driver/Engineer, Arson Investigator, and Fire Inspector.  On his days off from shift work he was an instructor at Navarro College Fire Academy and the Fire Science Protection Technology Program Coordinator.  Mr. Blanton grew up in Red Oak and has been married for 15 years with a 14-year-old daughter.
Mr. Blanton holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Officer from Navarro College.  He is also a Master Police Officer, Law Enforcement Instructor, and Firearms Instructor.  His fire certifications include Master Firefighter, Master Fire Inspector, Master Arson Investigator, Master Fire Service Instructor III, Driver/Operator, Incident Safety Officer, Fire Officer IV, and EMT-Paramedic.

Fire Marshal Nathan Diaz

Fire Marshal Nathan Diaz is a 19-year veteran of the fire service. After starting a career in the fire service as a volunteer for the Ferris Fire Department from 2001 to 2004 and then the Waxahachie Rural Fire Department from 2004 to 2007, he joined the Lancaster Fire Department full time in 2008. Mr. Diaz worked his way up from a Firefighter to Fire Marshal. Mr. Diaz grew up in Ferris and has been married for 28 years with a 20-year-old daughter and a 22-year-old son. Mr. Diaz hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Officer from Navarro College. Mr. Diaz holds a Master Peace Officer and Law Enforcement Instructor. His fire certifications include Master Firefighter, Master Fire Inspector, Master Arson Investigator, Fire Service Instructor II, Driver/Operator, Fire Officer II, Fire & Life Safety Educator I, Incident Commander, and EMT-B.