Today, Monday, July 14, the Victoria County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the appointment of Dan Porter as the new Victoria County Fire Marshal. Following the court’s approval, County Judge Ben Zeller administered the official oath of office to Fire Marshal Porter on behalf of the court.
“On behalf of Commissioners’ Court, we are very grateful to have Dan join our organization and look forward to the future of our Fire Marshal’s Office,” said Judge Ben Zeller.
Porter brings a wealth of experience to the role, having dedicated his career to public safety. He began his service at 17 years old, enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he served as both a firefighter and a military police officer.
In February 2012, Porter joined the Waller County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. He later transitioned to Fort Bend County in July 2021, where he served as a Fire Marshal Inspector/Investigator. In December 2023, he was promoted to Fire Marshal Plans Examiner.
Porter holds numerous certifications, including:
- Master Peace Officer – Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
- Structural Firefighter – Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP)
- Arson Investigator – TCFP
- Certified Plans Examiner – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Porter’s dedication to service extends beyond his professional life. He and his wife, Holly, have been married for 20 years and are proud parents of two children. Their daughter, Kilee and son, Kolbe, who is currently serving in the U.S Navy. Porter is the proud “Pop’s” to grandson Asher and is excited to welcome a second grandchild soon.
“I am excited to join the organization and to use my knowledge and experience to help the community grow and leave a legacy here,” said Fire Marshal Dan Porter.
Victoria County Commissioners Court has received the final closing documents for purchase of a 20-acre site designated for the Victoria County Regional Emergency Operations Complex (VCREOC). This property is located by the Victoria Regional Airport, and near the site of the new mental health hospital Victoria County is constructing. Due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, it was necessary to locate the new VCREOC away from airport grounds. The purchased acreage offers accessibility for first responders, and is compliant with federal rules. Acquiring this property marks another step forward in Victoria County’s ongoing commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency response for residents.
“While property transactions can be complicated and take time, we stayed focused on finding the right spot for the Victoria County Regional Emergency Operations Complex, which is funded through a significant grant we received from the Texas Division of Emergency Management. It was excellent to locate a parcel that meets the needs of this operations complex, and is also near the Victoria Regional Airport. I want to thank everyone involved in this property phase as we continue moving forward to enhance emergency operations in our county and our region,” Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller stated.
As part of Victoria Regional Airport’s ongoing capital improvement efforts, reconstruction of Taxiway Charlie will soon reach a critical phase requiring the temporary closure of Runway 13-31. Beginning Monday, August 4, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Runway 13-31 will be closed to allow construction crews to tie the new taxiway into the main runway. The runway is scheduled to reopen on September 5.
Originally part of a decommissioned runway, Taxiway Charlie no longer met Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety and design standards. This renovation will bring the taxiway into compliance, enhance the airport’s infrastructure, and expand its capacity to accommodate a wider variety of aircraft for passenger transportation.
The project is funded through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Victoria County received a $10.6 million grant under the program, with 90% of the funding provided federally and 10% locally by Victoria County. AIP funding has also supported other recent airport improvements, including runway upgrades and enhancements to air traffic control systems.
Travelers who may be affected by the temporary closure are encouraged to contact United Airlines at 1-800-864-8331 for travel assistance.
“Our airport’s growth remains a top priority for our County Judge and Commissioners,” said Lenny Llerena, Executive Director of the Victoria Regional Airport. “We continue making improvements to optimize the travel experience for our passengers.”
The Victoria County Judge and Commissioners Court are pleased to announce the launch of Victoria County 360 (VC360), a public engagement initiative focused on fostering a greater understanding of county government through direct citizen participation.
Victoria County 360 (VC360) is designed to inform and empower residents by providing a structured, comprehensive, transparent, and in-depth look at county operations. Through guided tours, interactive sessions, and discussions with county officials, participants will gain meaningful insights into how Victoria County serves its residents. The mission of VC360 is to deliver an educational and enriching experience that highlights the county’s dedication to fair, efficient, and courteous public service. This program seeks to encourage civic involvement, and promote an ongoing dialogue between the county and local citizens.
“We are proud to launch this new initiative which will offer residents meaningful opportunities to engage directly with county leaders, gain fresh perspectives on county operations, and learn more about county services and the ongoing progress being achieved in Victoria County,” County Judge Ben Zeller said.
VC360 participants will receive behind the scenes access to county departments, facilities, and officials. Program topics include public safety, criminal justice and courts, public health services, emergency management, infrastructure, development, history, and how the county operates.
Each session will offer opportunities to engage with elected officials, department heads, and county employees while providing firsthand examples of county services and strategic initiatives.
Program Schedule
- Program Start Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- Program Graduation Ceremony: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Session Times: 4:30pm to 6:30pm weekly on Tuesdays
VC360 participants will receive a detailed agenda, including optional tour opportunities. All sessions will be conducted in person.
Eligibility and Application Information
This program is free, and open to Victoria County residents who are 21 years of age or older.
- Application Deadline: July 30, 2025
- Enrollment Capacity: Limited to 25 participants
- How to Apply: Visit VCTX.ORG
Applicants must complete a brief background check and sign a liability waiver in order to participate in VC360.
For more information about the Victoria County 360 Program, visit Victoria County, Texas. If you have questions, please contact the County Judge’s Office at (361) 580-5770 or email laurenmeaux@vctx.org.
Notice is given that on February 10, 2025, at 10:00a.m. the Victoria County Commissioner's Court shall hold a public hearing in room 241 on the second floor of the Victoria County Courthouse located at 115 N. Bridge St. Victoria, TX 77901. The public hearing will consider the proposed adoption of a Texas PACE Program, providing additional economic development incentives to encourage private sector investment in energy efficiency and water conservation.
TxPACE Report for Proposed Program
Notice is hereby given that an application for a place on the Victoria County, Texas regular election ballot may be filed beginning January 14, 2025 through February 14, 2025. Regular operating hours in which an application may be submitted is Monday - Friday, 8a.m. - 5p.m. in the Victoria County Judge's Office located at 101 N. Bridge St. Rm. 102 Victoria, TX 77901.
Application for Ballot Notice
Submitted Applications
On January 1, 2025, Victoria County had the honor of swearing in 10 Elected/Appointed Officials, incumbent and newly elected, as they each recited their oath of office, dedicating their respective services to the citizens of Victoria County. As a result, Victoria County is proud to identify and congratulate the following individuals:
Glen Villanueva, Associate Judge
Lisa Harvey-Moore, 24th Judicial District Judge
Danny Garcia, Victoria County Commissioner, Precinct 1
Shannon Martin, Victoria County Commissioner, Precinct 3
Justin Marr, Victoria County Sheriff
Ashley Hernandez, Victoria County Tax Assessor-Collector
Jeff Meyer, Victoria County Constable, Precinct 1
Rex Mayes, Victoria County Constable, Precinct 2
Kenneth Easley, Jr., Victoria County Constable, Precinct 3
Aaron Burleson, Victoria County Constable, Precinct 4