City Coordinator (Manager)

Jimmy Purcell began his career in 1990 with the City of Gladewater as a Firefighter/EMT. During his time at Gladewater Fire Department, he was promoted to Lieutenant and eventually Captain. In 1991 Jimmy went to the Police Academy at night and graduated from the Police Academy in 1992. During his time at Gladewater, he worked as a Reserve Police Officer. Jimmy moved on to Longview Fire Department in 1998, where he spent five years as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He then was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal as a Fire/Arson Investigator, where he would spend the rest of his time until he retired from the Longview Fire Department in July 2019. In August 2019, Jimmy was hired by the City of White Oak as the Fire Chief of the White Oak Fire Department. He attended the Fire Chief Academy and Certified Public Manager course. Jimmy is a member of the Texas City Management Association and East Texas City Managers Association.

“Even though I’m not from White Oak, my family and I have lived here for about 19 years. I have gotten to know many White Oak citizens and business owners. As the City Manager, I will do my best to ensure that the people of White Oak continue to receive the best services from the city’s employees.”