Having served as a first responder for most of his adult life, Buda Fire Chief Clay Huckaby is used to working in high-stress, dangerous situations.
But it was one of the first fires he responded to, a 1994 fire on Main Street that destroyed several buildings, that nearly cost him his life. Through perseverance and a full support system, Huckaby, who is celebrating his 25th year of firefighting in 2019, continues to fulfill his passion of serving his community.
I always say I have the best job because I’m living off doing what I love. My hobby is also my career.”
–Clay Huckaby, Buda Fire Chief
Huckaby’s origins in firefighting began in 1993 when he joined what was then the Buda Volunteer Fire Department while a student at Hays High.
At the time, the department relied solely on community members to put out fires both big and small. One of the biggest fires of Huckaby’s career happened soon after he joined the department.
The 1994 Main Street fire ranks as one of the most destructive disasters in the city. Multiple buildings were either damaged or destroyed in the blaze.
Huckaby and members of the BVFD responded to assist in putting out the blaze. But an explosion caused by propane canisters from a glass-blowing shop propelled Huckaby several feet into the air.
“I was in the hospital and I looked at my mom and said, ‘I’m not quitting,’” Huckaby said. “I knew that was the first thing they were going to ask but I said, ‘No.’”
Huckaby persevered that night and every night after. He completed his undergraduate degree in business from Concordia University at Austin and set himself up for a career that allow him to continue his hobby as a volunteer firefighter.
Huckaby’s ascent continued when he became the BVFD’s fire chief in 2004; the title became a permanent position in 2005 when funding made it possible for Buda to have a fully-paid department.
“It’s never the same job every day,” Huckaby said. “I haven’t even thought about retiring and I can’t see myself anywhere else.”
Huckaby said he loves the growth in Buda and the opportunities the department has been able to take advantage of, which is why he does not see himself retiring in the near future.
Under Huckaby’s leadership, Buda Fire Department has built two more stations and has hired full-time, paid staff. Additionally, firefighters who have worked for BFD have won multiple awards.
Huckaby is most proud of the station’s designation as class one fire department by Insurance Services Office (ISO). There are only around 300 class one departments in the nation, according to Huckaby.
Huckaby said his days as chief have not always been easy. The hardest part about his job is that he’s serving the city he grew up in.
Witnessing tragedy strike his friends and neighbors is never an easy task.
“It’s hard sometimes, but I always say I have the best job because I’m living off doing what I love,” Huckaby said. “My hobby is also my career.”
