Arizona Online Alumni Feature: Brian Cox
For Brian Cox, learning never stopped after his military and fire service careers began. Now serving as the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Denton Fire Department, he pursued the University of Arizona Online’s Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology (’26) to expand his expertise in geographic information systems while balancing the demands of career and family life. Through Arizona Online’s flexible, career-focused program, Cox is applying advanced GIS knowledge to the evolving landscape of public service leadership.
Tell us about yourself.
I am 54 years old, married, and a father of three grown children. I served 6 years in the Navy before hiring on at the Denton Fire Department in Denton, Texas in 1999. I’ve served in all ranks up to my current position as Assistant Chief of Operations, and I have been in this position for 7 years. My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science.
My day to day work is maintaining oversight of 9 fire stations (3-shifts) and planning for the department as we are in a rapidly growing area of North Texas.
What path led you to this point in your life and career?
I have always believed in life-long learning – from becoming an electrician in the Navy to obtaining numerous fire certifications, completing paramedic school, and finishing my bachelor’s degree at the age of 51 – it has all culminated in earning my graduate degree.
What made you decide to pursue a degree through Arizona Online?
Early in my position as Assistant Chief, the department decided to pursue fire service accreditation (CPSE). I was became Accreditation Manager (AM). The process of obtaining fire service accreditation takes many years to complete. Along the way, I had to work with the City of Denton’s GIS (Geographic Information Systems) department. This back-and-forth interaction became cumbersome to manage while meeting timelines, and I began to learn to complete small GIS tasks on my own. Over time and through many online free classes, I became somewhat proficient in basic mapmaking. I learned about the power of GIS and its place in the modern fire service. I looked further into GIS learning and came across Arizona Online’ MS GIST program.
Did the flexibility of an online program impact your decision?
The flexibility of the program was my main factor in choosing the program. I had a very demanding job along with my family life. The program allowed me to maintain some balance while pursuing my degree.
What drew you specifically to the GIST program?
I fell in love with the power and versatility of GIS while learning as an amateur. Making data-driven decisions in fire service is key to the future. Community risk reduction is enhanced with GIS by moving from just reacting to calls to stopping them before they start. Using data to map out risks helps us get ahead of the problem and put resources exactly where they’ll save the most lives.
What was your experience in the program like?
My experience was great! Coming from a fire service background, I did not have more than basic computer literacy. There were times I felt a bit overwhelmed. However, the university provides numerous avenues to receive help and accessing online resources has been easy. I like a challenge, and the university resources helped me immensely.
In what ways has this program helped you grow – personally, professionally, or both?
This program helped me grow professionally in many aspects. In several classes, I was allowed to apply a class assignment to something I was working on at work. I completed the assignment and used the results to make decisions in my job.
How are you already applying what you have learned in your current work or everyday life?
Almost weekly, the Fire Chief or some other manager will ask me for something GIS related. I can complete these tasks fairly quickly now, without having to put in a request to the City’s GIS department.
What are your goals after graduation?
During my department’s initial accreditation, most of the GIS related documents ended up being static PDF type displays. I intend to make the next cycle of accreditation with dynamic GIS related applications for the department. I believe that is the next step in proving the need for GIS in the fire service.
What would you say to someone who's considering enrolling in the Geographic Information Science and Technology program through Arizona Online?
Jump in! The program is user friendly, and the people are wonderful and helpful.
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