Liberty Fire Department is celebrating a milestone for two of its most dedicated members, Fire Chief Brian Hurst and Secretary Misty Dulaney, as they each mark 20 years of service to the department and the community.
Chief Hurst and Dulaney both joined the Liberty Fire Department in November 2004 and have been instrumental in shaping the department into the agency it is today.
Hurst began his firefighting and EMS career in July 1996 as a volunteer firefighter with the Cleveland Fire Department under then-Fire Chief Steve Wheeler. For 14 years, he honed his skills in both firefighting and EMS, setting the stage for his leadership role in Liberty.
After joining Liberty Fire Department as a firefighter in 2004, Hurst quickly rose through the ranks, becoming captain and later assistant fire chief, a position he held for eight years. He was named interim fire chief in October 2015 and officially assumed the role in January 2016.
Under Hurst’s leadership, the department has seen tremendous growth and modernization. He has overseen the purchase of critical equipment, including a ladder truck and a new fire engine, the latter of which is expected to arrive in September 2025. Hurst also spearheaded the remodeling of the Lakeland Drive fire station and the construction of a new fire station on Bowie Street, the latter of which is set to open in early 2025.
“Firefighting is an inherently dangerous job,” Hurst said, acknowledging the increasing demands for training and awareness of risks like cancer-causing toxins in fire gear and fire vehicles.
Despite these challenges, Hurst remains passionate about his work.
“The biggest thing for me is to help people,” he said.
Hurst credits the success of the Liberty Fire Department to supportive city council members and managers, as well as a culture of learning and growth he has fostered within the team.
“My biggest achievement is that this department could run spectacularly without me,” he said. “I think I’ve created a culture where our staff strives to learn and be educated.”
Misty Dulaney joined the department as a secretary under then-Fire Chief Fred Collins and continues to serve in that role today. Over the years, she has also taken on responsibilities as secretary for the volunteer side of the department.
Dulaney’s journey into fire and EMS service began with a personal loss. After her father’s passing, she was inspired by the care provided by EMTs, prompting her to shift from her work as a nurse’s aide to pursue a career in emergency services.
“When my dad passed, I saw what the EMTs did with him, and it changed my focus,” she said.
Despite the challenges of being a newly single mother raising two sons, she persevered through EMT training and found her place in the Liberty Fire Department.
Hurst credits Dulaney as the backbone of the department’s operations. She manages everything from billing to records retention and serves as a vital liaison for the department.
“She is instrumental in all operations of the department,” Hurst said.
For Dulaney, the camaraderie within the department makes her work deeply fulfilling.
“Prior to this, I never had a job where I enjoyed going to work every day,” she said. “We are a family.”
Dulaney’s dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed—she is the first woman to be added to the department’s Life Member board.
Together, Hurst and Dulaney, along with other firefighters and staff, have helped make the Liberty Fire Department one of the busiest and most respected agencies in Liberty County, responding to an average of 3,400 to 3,600 calls annually.