Mr. Banning is on the Board of Directors and serves as Department Secretary.

    Mr. Banning joined the department in January of 1998 and has served as President, Assistant Chief, Secretary, Medical Officer and Captain.

    He started his career in the fire service at the age of 16 in Dilley, Texas and was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief at age 17. He moved to San Marcos, Texas in 1978 to attend college and also joined the San Marcos Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Assistant Chief for 3 years. John resigned from the SMVFD to help start the South Hays County Fire Department in 1984 and served as Charter Captain. In 1987 he joined the ranks of the Austin Fire Department where he recently completed his 22nd year. John holds an Advanced Firefighter and Intermediate Aircraft Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. He also holds Advanced Accredited Firefighter, Fire Investigator and instructor certifications with the State Fireman's and Fire Marshal's Association as well as being an Emergency Medical Technician.

John has been recognized by the Texas State Senate, Bastrop County, City of Smithville, Smithville and Austin Fire Department, American Red Cross and The American Legion for bravery beyond the call of duty. Decorations include 2 Medals of Valor, 4 Firefighter of the year awards, 4 Phoenix medals and the Firehouse Magazine Heroism and Bravery medal.

John serves as President of the Bastrop County Firefighters Association, appointed to the Bastrop County EMS advisory Board and is on the Board of Directors of the Capitol Area Trauma Regional Advisory Council (CATRAC).