Devine Fire Chief Greg Atkinson was arrested today, Thursday Feb 27,2025 and booked into Medina County Jail on charges of Official Oppression/Sexual Harassment. Atkinson turned himself in after a warrant for his arrest was issued.
“Our investigation continues on,” Sheriff Randy Brown said. “If anyone feels like they were done wrong and coerced into doing something they did not want to do, please come forward.”
The best way to get in contact is to call Medina County Sheriffs 830-741-6150 line during work day hours as after hours that line transfers to dispatch.
Atkinson turned himself in after a warrant for his arrest was issued.
The sheriff explained that victims in a case like this can be given a pseudonym or fake name to protect their identity.
“On February 13, we received info about a possible victim and found at least some of the allegations to be true. We interviewed multiple suspects, and have more to interview still.”
Sheriff Brown adds, “If you are a person of authority and you use blackmail etc to coerce somebody to do something using the power you hold, that is Oppression.”
Sheriff Brown confirmed there is photo evidence.
The sheriff thanked the Devine VFD board for quickly taking action to make sure fire operations continue smoothly.
Atkinson was put on leave at an emergency meeting by the Devine Vol Fire Department Board yesterday evening, Wednesday February 26.
“Kuddos to them for doing what they needed to do to keep things running smoothly even though I could only provide limited information at that point,” Sheriff said.
Chief Atkinson has served as Chief at Devine VFD since 2021, and started fire academies that offered classes to students in Devine ISD, Natalia ISD, as well as Hondo ISD.
Devine Vol Fire Department is also a contractor for the City of Devine as Devine VFD has been hired to do Code Compliance. They were previously hired to do inspections as well for the City of Devine, but due to a lack of certifications previously promised, the city council voted to cease that part of the contract at a recent meeting.
