The member profile section is a work in progress.  This page is an oppurtunity to help the public get to know the firefighters who are a part of the Honor Guard and some background information on each member.

Firefighter Jimmy Cox, B shift, Station 5

Jimmy Cox has been a member of the GFD for 9,yrs, and is currently assigned to Sta. 5 B-Shift (Heavy Rescue). Jimmy is a member of GFD Dive Team, B-Shift Fitness instructor, Haz-Mat Tech., and a proud EMT. Jimmy has recently been assigned to Texas Task Force 1 and looks forward to the opportunity to increase his skills through being a part of this organization. Jimmy has been married for 10 years to the only woman who would have him and has 1 beautiful daughter who he spoils as much as possible.

Firefighter Jamey Shipler, C shift, Station 5

Jamey started his career in the fire service in 1994 with the Hobbs Fire Department in New Mexico. He worked 2 years with our neighboring city Coppell as a Firefighter/Paramedic before finding his way to Grapevine in Novemember of 2002. Jamey has been a paramedic since 1997. He has been a Paramedic Field Trainier for Grapevine since 2004. He served on the Hobbs Fire Department's Honor Guard from 1997 to 2000. He is one of the founding members of the Grapevine Honor Guard. Jamey is currently assigned to the department's Heavy Rescue Team out of Station 5. He is also a member of the Texas Task Force serving as a swift water rescue tech. Jamey is especially thankful for his family. He and his highschool sweetheart, Shari, were married in 1991. They have three great kids; Derek, Shelby, & Brandon. Their love and support helps to keep Jamey working hard and striving to improve himself and the Grapevine Fire Department.

Firefighter Jerry Kovar II, B shift, Station 5

Jerry started his fire service career in 1993 with the Southlake Fire Department. After 10 years of service, Jerry wanted a change and moved to Grapevine Fire Department in October 2003. Jerry is assigned to B shift Station 5, where he is a member of the Heavy Rescue Team. Jerry joined the Honor Guard in 2004 and is also the chairman for the departments’ Banquet Committee. Jerry grew up playing guitar and enjoys music. Jerry took his love of music and joined the Pipe and Drums section of the Honor guard as the second bagpiper. Jerry is married to Tiffany and has an 11-year-old-daughter, Sara. Jerry spends his free time with his family, flying RC airccraft, playing with his 3 dogs, and learning the “pipes”. Jerry wants to personally thank his family for their continuous support for his extra departmental activities. 

Firefighter Matt Edwards, A shift, Station 5

Matt began his fire service career in 2001. Matt worked for the Little Elm Fire Department prior to moving to the Grapevine Fire Department in Nov. 2005. Matt is assigned to A shift Station 5 and proudly serves on the Heavy Rescue Team. He serves as one of the original members of the fire department Pipes and Drums band and enjoys serving with his fellow brothers as a member of the Honor Guard. Matt and his wife ,Katie, were married in Sept. 2004 and he his very thankful for the continued support and love he receives from his wife. He enjoys playing golf, playing with his two dogs, and spending time with his family and friends when he is off duty. Matt would like to say thank you to his family and friends for always being supportive and understanding of the department activities he is involved in.

Driver/Engineer Andrew Economedes, B Shift, station 5

Andrew J Economedes is a second generation firefighter with 30 years on the job. Andrew started his career in his home town of Edinburg Texas in 1977 with the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department, of which his dad was a member. In 1978 Andrew attended Texas A&M Recruit School #23 and then returned home to begin his paid career with the McAllen Fire Department. In 1983 he moved to Kilgore to begin his AAS Fire Protection degree while employed with the Kilgore Fire Department. In 1985 he was hire by the Lewisville Fire Department and continued his education at Tarrant County Jr. College receiving his AAS degree in 1993. He then received his BAAS in management at Dallas Baptist University in 1997. In 1998 Andrew took a job with the Texas Engineering Extension in College Station as an instructor. Realizing he missed being a firefighter, he returned to the DFW metroplex to test and was hired by the Grapevine Fire Department in 1999. Andrew is a member of Texas Task Force 1 as a rescue specialist and has been since its inception in 1998. Andrew holds certifications as an IFSAC FF II, driver operator and instructor. He also holds certs as a TDH licensed paramedic and as a rescue diver. He also a member of the GFD TRT and dive team. Andrew resides in the Town of Ponder where he is a proud member of the Ponder Volunteer Fire Department.

Firefighter Shannon Mcgill, C shift, Station 1

Wm. Shannon McGill Started on the Corpus Christi FD Honor Guard 1995 and was there until 11/2002 when I started working for Grapevine. I began learning the bagpipes in 1997 with three other CCFD firefighters under the direction of a semi-retired, self-taught CC Army Depot helocopter mechanic who would meet with us once a week at the old CCFD Station #1. After a great deal of frustration I gave up on the pipes for a few years but, after a hiatus picked them back up again in 2004. Being at the right place and time I was able to help to get the Grapevine Honor Guard started in 2004 and, after a time we incorporated the bagpipes into a few ceremonies here and there. In 2006 we entertained the idea of starting a pipe and drum "band" to augment the guard. Since then we have added three drummers, one piper and we have several more students that are still on practice chanters and drum pads. As a band we have played at everything from parades to promotional ceremonies. Collectively we are a part of the State-wide group of Firefighter pipers and drummers which has networked together to provide services wherever and whenever needed.

Known as: McGilla, McLovin or The Big Giant Head.