Dr. David Persse, former Houston chief medical officer, dies at 66

Dr. David Persse, the former chief medical officer for the City of Houston, has died at age 66. According to the Houston Fire Department, Persse sustained a severe spinal injury while swimming off Hermosa Beach, California, on a Saturday. Although bystanders resuscitated him after he was pulled from the water, he later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Persse was a prominent figure in emergency medicine, serving 29 years as the Houston Fire Department’s EMS physician director. His leadership was instrumental in shaping Houston EMS, advancing patient care, and guiding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire praised Persse as a dedicated public servant whose expertise helped the administration navigate various public health crises. HFD Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz described him as a pioneer, mentor, and teacher who significantly impacted how paramedics and firefighters provide care.