William (Bill) B. Anders
SECRETARY – REPRESENTING HARRIS COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS
A member of the 9-1-1 Board since its inception in 1983, William (Bill) B. Anders played an integral role in the establishment of the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network. Working alongside Commissioner Tom Bass and fire departments throughout Harris County, he helped advance the adoption of 9-1-1 legislation and supported the successful public referendum that created the Network.
Mr. Anders’ commitment to servant leadership began early when he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The values cultivated through Scouting continue to influence his approach to organizational leadership, community service, and mentoring future leaders.
Mr. Anders began his public safety career in 1964 with the Cloverleaf Volunteer Fire Department. His dedication and leadership led to his service as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Harris County Fire Fighters Association.
He began his professional career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, serving as Frameman, Switchman, and Chief Switchman. He later joined the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, where he advanced through the ranks as Arson Investigator, Chief Investigator, and Assistant County Fire Marshal. Following a distinguished 33-year career in law enforcement and fire investigation, he retired from Harris County service.
Mr. Anders also served honorably in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and serving as Chief Radio Operator with the 7th Infantry Division, 1st Brigade, Headquarters & Headquarters Company, at Camp Kaiser, South Korea.
Mr. Anders serves as an Emergency Services District (ESD) Commissioner for Harris County Emergency Services District No. 12, formerly the Cloverleaf Volunteer Fire Department, and currently serves as President of its Board of Commissioners.
In 1979, he was a founding member of North Channel Emergency Medical Services, a nonprofit organization established to provide 9-1-1 ambulance services to the community. He served on the North Channel EMS Board for more than four decades. North Channel EMS is now operated by Harris County Emergency Services District No. 6.
Mr. Anders also serves as a delegate to the East Harris County Emergency Services Joint Powers Board, a collaborative organization formed by five Emergency Services Districts to create the East Harris County Emergency Communications Center (ECOM). As President of the Board of Delegates, he helps oversee a regional emergency communications center that dispatches Fire and EMS services and processes 9-1-1 calls for 12 emergency response agencies.
For 25 years, Mr. Anders served as a guest instructor at the Texas Engineering Extension Service ESTI Annual Municipal Fire Training School at Texas A&M University, sharing his expertise with generations of emergency service professionals.
His professional certifications include Master Peace Officer, Advanced Fire Investigator, Advanced Fire Inspector, Fire Instructor II, and State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D) Certified Emergency Services District Commissioner.