Fort Worth moves forward with plan to expand fire department by adding EMS personnel

Fort Worth, Texas – The Fort Worth City Council has officially approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Association, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 440. This agreement, passed during Tuesday’s council meeting, outlines amendments to the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who will transition into the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) starting in July 2025.
Strengthening Emergency Medical Services
This agreement plays a crucial role in integrating EMS personnel from MedStar into the FWFD. Through collective bargaining negotiations, the City and Local 440 reached a consensus on granting civil service status to former MedStar employees. These individuals will serve as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and telecommunicators, ensuring a seamless transition of emergency services.
Key details of the agreement include:
- The CBA remains in effect until September 30, 2026.
- The incoming EMS personnel will retain civil service protections under the FWFD structure.
- The transition aims to enhance emergency response coordination between fire and medical services.
Assistant City Manager Valerie Washington emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “We are pleased to have Mayor and Council approve the EMS MOU agreement. The City, along with the Local 440, look forward to continuing to work through the EMS transition process.”
Addressing Firefighter Wellness and Disciplinary Procedures
One of the significant additions to the agreement involves new provisions for firefighters dealing with alcohol or substance dependency. The disciplinary process now includes access to treatment and counseling services for those struggling with addiction. This step reflects a commitment to supporting the well-being of emergency personnel while maintaining high professional standards.
The Local 440 membership ratified the MOU on December 13, 2024, following a majority vote. This demonstrates broad support among firefighters for the new measures.
Transition from MedStar to Fort Worth Fire Department
The restructuring of Fort Worth’s EMS system follows the planned dissolution of MedStar, a longtime provider of ambulance services in Tarrant County. The transition places responsibility for ambulance services under FWFD, affecting multiple cities in the region.
The decision to absorb EMS into the fire department stems from years of discussions on improving emergency response coordination and creating a financially sustainable, efficient, and patient-centered system. By consolidating fire and medical response efforts, Fort Worth aims to ensure:
- Faster emergency response times.
- Seamless collaboration between firefighters and paramedics.
- A unified system that prioritizes patient care and public safety.
A New Era for Emergency Response in Fort Worth
This agreement marks a major milestone in Fort Worth’s approach to emergency medical services. With firefighters and paramedics working under one department, the city is taking a proactive approach to improving emergency response, supporting first responders, and ensuring residents receive high-quality medical care in emergencies.
As FWFD prepares to fully take over ambulance services in 2025, officials continue working on logistical and operational plans to ensure a smooth transition that benefits both first responders and the community.