Jason Tharp

Jason Tharp serves as the Captain of Community Risk Reduction (CRR) and Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Little York Fire Department. Since beginning his fire service career in 2006, he has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing firefighter leadership, public education, strategic communications, and proactive Community Risk Reduction (CRR) initiatives. A Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Master Structural Firefighter, Tharp holds Fire Officer IV certification along with ten additional TCFP certifications. He is also a licensed EMT-Basic, combining extensive operational experience with a strong commitment to emergency preparedness, firefighter safety, and public service. Tharp earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management Administration from Texas A&M University–San Antonio and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Texas Southern University. He is a graduate of the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy. These executive leadership programs helped shape his leadership philosophy, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and service to both firefighters and the communities they protect. Tharp served nearly 15 years as a District Chief with Eastex Fire Department. Prior to his current role, he also served as Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction for Harris County Emergency Services District No. 48 since 2018, where he led numerous initiatives to reduce risk through prevention, partnerships, and community outreach. In recognition of his contributions to the fire service, Tharp received the Texas Fire Chiefs Association’s Lone Star Achievement Award in 2020 for his work in Community Risk Reduction. He remains passionate about advancing the fire service through mentoring, professional development, and active participation in state and national fire service organizations, while promoting Community Risk Reduction as a core mission that enhances firefighter safety, strengthens community resilience, and improves life safety outcomes.