Frio County ESD 1

New Fire Station for Tarrant County ESD 1

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:44:06 GMT

Tarrant County ESD 1 Announces Second New Fire Station Location to Enhance Public Safety

FORT WORTH, TX – Oct. 9, 2025 – Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 (TCESD 1) has announced the location for its second state-of-the-art fire and EMS station, which will be built concurrently with the previously announced station in the Eagle Mountain area. The new facility will be strategically located at the intersection of Bella Creek Parkway and State Highway 377, in an area known locally as "Whiskey Flats." This vital addition is a crucial step in fulfilling ESD 1’s commitment to significantly improving emergency response times and public safety across the rapidly growing unincorporated areas of the county.

The decision to establish a station in the “Whiskey Flats” area is driven by several pressing public safety concerns. The area, at the disjointed intersection of Highways 1187 and 377, has a very high incident rate of severe traffic accidents, demanding a rapid and specialized response. Furthermore, its proximity to recreational facilities at Lake Benbrook results in a high Emergency Medical Services (EMS) call rate, tragically highlighted by the 14 people who were struck by lightning this past spring. Finally, the growing number of very large housing developments with heavily treed brushy lots and limited access to water for fire fighting makes rapid fire suppression capabilities essential.

"This simultaneous investment in two strategically located fire stations—one near Eagle Mountain and now one at Bella Creek Parkway and 377—demonstrates that we’re trying to build a professional fire service that rivals any department in the State of Texas in EMS Service & Fire Protection and Tarrant County's unwavering commitment to its residents," said ESD Commissioner Fate Jones. "By addressing high-risk areas like the Whiskey Flats and growing Benbrook Lake communities, we're not just building stations; we’re reducing risk, saving time, and ultimately saving lives."

ESD Commissioner Anita Heiskell highlighted the detailed analysis that informed the site selection. "Our data clearly indicated that the ‘Whiskey Flats’ area is underserved and faces unique, severe hazards, from vehicle accidents to the structural fire risk in the large housing developments that lack robust water infrastructure," Commissioner Heiskell stated. "This new station is a proactive and necessary measure that ensures our response capabilities finally match the needs of this community."

Tarrant County ESD 1 Fire Chief and Executive Director Russell Shelley emphasized the operational impact of the new facility. "This station's location will dramatically cut down on our current response times to some of our most dangerous and high-volume call areas," Chief Shelley commented. "The dedicated resources placed here will provide rapid EMS care for incidents near Lake Benbrook, timely response to complex highway wrecks, and the specialized equipment needed to protect properties in the newer, water-poor developments. It’s a gamechanger for public safety in this sector of Tarrant County."

The Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 (TCESD No. 1), previously known as the Tarrant County Rural Fire Prevention District, was formed in 1996. The TCESD No. 1 is responsible for providing fire and EMS ambulance services to the approximately 50,000 residents and 25,000 structures in the unincorporated areas of the county, which consists of approximately 183 square miles. TCESD No. 1 contracts with 17 fire departments for fire, mutual aid, and first responder coverage with 12 of those departments providing EMS ambulance response as well.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Chief Russell Shelley; russell.shelley@tarrantesd1.org ; 682-463-7275

Tarrant County ESD 1 Purchases Land

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:46:46 GMT

Tarrant County ESD 1 Plans New Fire Station

Tarrant County ESD 1 Purchases Land for New Fire Station to Enhance Public Safety

Fort Worth, TX – Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 (TCESD 1) is proud to announce the purchase of a 2-acre parcel of land located near 5101 Dido Hicks Road. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step forward in the District’s commitment to improving emergency services and response times for Tarrant County. The land will be the future site of a state-of-the-art fire and EMS station.

Northwest Tarrant County, particularly along Morris Dido Newark Road, is experiencing explosive growth driven by a convergence of residential and commercial development. Formerly rural pastureland, the area is rapidly being transformed by master-planned communities like Flemming Point and The Estates at Eagle Mountain, which are bringing thousands of new homes to the region. This residential boom is a direct response to Fort Worth's expanding population and the demand for new housing, particularly for large, single-family homes near amenities like Eagle Mountain Lake.

"This is a vital and long over-due investment in our community’s future," said County Commissioner Manny Ramirez. "By building a new fire station in Northwest Tarrant County, we are ensuring that our first responders have the resources they need to protect our residents and property in an area of the County that is experiencing significant growth. This project is a testament to the collaborative spirit between Tarrant County and ESD 1."

Russell Shelley, Fire Chief & Executive Director of TCESD 1, shared his enthusiasm for the project. "Acquiring this land is a monumental milestone for our District. This new facility will allow us to strategically position our resources, reduce response times, and ultimately save lives and property. We are thrilled to move forward with the planning and construction phases."

Donnie Davis, President of the ESD Board, highlighted the board's dedication to the community. "Our board is committed to proactive planning to meet the needs of our rapidly expanding area. This new fire station is a direct result of that dedication, and we are confident it will serve the residents of Tarrant County ESD 1 for many years to come."

About Tarrant County ESD 1

MEDIA CONTACT: Russell Shelley; russell.shelley@tarrantesd1.org ; 682-463-7275

The Commissioner's Corner

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:15:22 GMT

Tarrant County Emergency Services District #1 Welcomes New Commissioner

In July, Tarrant ESD1 received a new appointment to fill a vacancy on the board. Tarrant County Commissioner, Alissa Simmons, appointed retired Fort Worth Fire Department Lieutenant Fate Jones, to serve as the fifth commissioner on Tarrant ESD1 Board. Commissioner Jones attended his first meeting on July 8, 2025. The Board was delighted to extend an offer to Chief Russell Shelley to serve as its Fire Chief and Executive Director. Chief Shelley began his new role with the District on July 21, 2025, and has hit the ground running at full speed. The board also heard public testimony of 11 individuals testifying to the need for a fire station near them to improve response time for paramedics and fire near the area of 1187 and 377. The board unanimously voted to authorize staff and the board president, Donnie Davis, to seek out a location to place a temporary and later permanent station. Additionally, the board voted to do an audit on all of the Volunteer Fire Departments to assess overall district financial needs and performance.

Later in the month, on July 22, the board met again to hear public testimony regarding the 1187/377 corridor. The board again authorized more action to be taken to erect a temporary and later permanent fire station in that area to assist residents and taxpayers in that part of the district that have a need for more service. Options for this will be presented at future board meetings. The board discussed options to move the Tarrant ESD1 headquarters to a location in River Oaks so that the district may conduct meetings there and better serve the public at a central location. The River Oaks option was the least expensive option presented to the board. The board unanimously approved the pay structure that Chief Shelley presented that will enable the hiring of a Deputy Chief, HR Assistant, and CFO of the District. A pay structure was also approved unanimously by the board after discussion. Chief Shelley expressed a desire to hire the best of the best that possess an attitude of service towards the community. The board will meet next on August 12 and 26.

Tarrant County Emergency Services District 1 Hires Inaugural Executive Director

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:35:08 GMT

Russell Shelley Named First Executive Director of Tarrant County ESD 1

Tarrant County, TX – June 24, 2025 – Tarrant County Emergency Services District 1 is proud to announce the appointment of Russell Shelley as its inaugural Executive Director, effective July 21, 2025. Shelley, a highly respected leader with a distinguished career leading both the Richland Hills and River Oaks Fire Departments, will lead the ESD with a focus on enhancing emergency services and public safety across its jurisdiction.

Shelley brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in emergency response and departmental management. His extensive background in fire services and his deep understanding of the unique needs of the Tarrant County communities will be invaluable as ESD 1 continues to evolve on its mission to provide comprehensive and efficient emergency medical services, fire protection, and related rescue services.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Russell Shelley as our first Executive Director," said Donnie Davis, Tarrant County ESD 1 Board President. "His vision, experience, and dedication to public service make him the ideal leader to guide Tarrant County ESD 1 in its formative years. We are confident that under his leadership, ESD 1 will significantly improve the quality and coordination of emergency services for our residents."

"I am honored and excited to take on this new challenge as the Executive Director of Tarrant County ESD 1," said Director Shelley. "I look forward to working closely with the ESD 1 Board, the dedicated professionals of the fire and EMS departments within our district, and the communities we serve, to build a robust and responsive emergency services system that meets the evolving needs of Tarrant County."

As Executive Director, Shelley will be responsible for overseeing the strategic development, operational management, and financial stewardship of Tarrant County ESD 1. His immediate priorities will include establishing foundational policies and procedures, fostering inter-agency cooperation, and ensuring the seamless delivery of critical emergency services to the residents of the district.

About Tarrant County ESD 1: Tarrant County Emergency Services District 1 was established to provide funding and oversight for emergency medical services, fire protection, and related rescue services within its designated geographical area in Tarrant County. The ESD aims to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and coordination of these vital services for the safety and well-being of its residents.

Media Contact: Chief Stephen Watson, Interim Executive Director

email: swatson@stashllc.net ; Phone: 817-523-7598

Local Fire Departments Receive Chisholm Trail 100 Club Award

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:42:21 GMT

Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 Honors Local Fire Departments

Tarrant ESD1 proudly honors the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department and the Benbrook Fire Department for receiving the esteemed Chisholm Trail 100 Club Award in recognition of their heroic rescue efforts that saved four lives. Chiefs Ron Becker of Cresson and Jason Tate of Benbrook demonstrated exceptional leadership and teamwork, orchestrating a life-saving operation that served the community in a critical moment. Their swift response, unwavering dedication, and readiness exemplify the highest standards of emergency service. Representing Tarrant ESD1 at the award ceremony was board member Katheryn Moore, who joined in celebrating their remarkable achievement. You can read more below.

The Commissioners' Corner

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:24:06 GMT

State Representative David Lowe Visits Tarrant County Emergency District No. 1

State Representative David Lowe visited the Emergency Service District on February 28, 2025, to learn more about the county district and the challenges it faces in the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County. Commissioner Katheryn Moore met with Representative Lowe at the Eagle Mountain Fire Department to discuss the daily and monthly issues confronting the district. Fire Chief Mike Barton and Captain Ron Robertson provided Representative Lowe with a tour of their station and showcased the equipment supplied by the district.

The Commissioners' Corner

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:07:57 GMT

Tarrant Emergency Services District Board Attends SAFE-D Conference

In February, all four members of the Tarrant Emergency Services District board attended the Safe-D conference in Round Rock, Texas. Each commissioner received certification hours to meet the state requirements for those serving on Emergency Service Boards. During the conference, the board members learned about the structure of Emergency Service Districts (ESDs) across the state, budgeting procedures as per the state constitution, methods for building fire stations, and much more.

At the monthly board meeting, the commissioners recognized Firefighter and Paramedic Chris Rossing for designing the district’s logo. Additionally, the board announced that the highly anticipated Fitch study, which will provide the latest heat map and analysis of service provision, is expected to be ready for viewing and discussion by late March.

The Commissioners' Corner

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:35:13 GMT

Tarrant County Emergency Services District #1 Discusses District Business

This month, the Tarrant County Emergency Services Board met to pay bills, file the financial reports, and oversee the business of the district. The Board of Commissioners discussed and commissioned a financial service to oversee the finances of the district, maintain transparency to the stakeholders, and ensure the accuracy of records and good accounting of our funds. The board now has new financial oversight in place to double-check all transactions and services provided by the district. Additionally, the board amended their effort to provide a taxpayer Homestead and Senior Exemption, to those that qualify, after receiving feedback from Tarrant Appraisal District. The board has now satisfied TAD’s request and that Exemption is now in place. The board expects the study by Fitch Consultants to be returned soon with data to discuss regarding where response times for services need to be improved. The board expects to be updated at the February meeting regarding the Executive Director search and interview process and will receive recommendations from the committee that conducted that search. The next meeting will be on February ll, at the regularly scheduled second Tuesday time. In the meantime, all of the Tarrant Emergency Service Commissioners will attend the Safe-D Conference to take classes to educate the board on a variety of topics specific to Emergency Services Districts. Each commissioner will be working towards credit hours that certify them for their positions.

The Commissioners' Corner

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:45:15 GMT

Tarrant County Emergency Services District 1 Seeks to Hire Executive Director.

Tarrant ESD 1 Commissioner’s Corner – January 2025

Initially, Tarrant ESD 1 sends our prayers and condolences to those impacted by the tragedy that is unfolding before our eyes in the LA Basin Fires. At the time of writing this article, the Pacific Palisades, Hurst, Eaton, Lidia, Woodley, and Sunset Fires are days old and still minimally contained and have devastated 62 square miles. Confirmed loss of human life stands at 24 with an additional 16 people currently listed as Missing – the death toll will probably go much, much higher!

The Palisades and Eaton fires have burned 12,000 structures, so far. Countless families have had their lives forever altered by the loss of their homes, cars, photographs, possessions, and memories of their life. Property and economic impact damages for all fires are estimated at $130 to $150 Billion and rising. The dramatic loss of life by pets and wildlife will probably never be fully known.

We have already heard stories of the heroics of first responders who have saved lives rushing towards and INTO the inferno while others ran the other way. BUT, we have also heard stories about the failures of fire protection infrastructure: Fire Hydrants without water, Water Tankers with no source of resupply, mass evacuations without traffic control, streets so clogged by abandoned cars that bulldozers had to clear a path for firetrucks. Some of this failure was a direct result of defunding the fire services in LA County. In fairness, the sheer magnitude and speed of the fire was probably enough to overwhelm even the most resilient and well-built infrastructure. The LA County Fire Chief said they had thousands of houses on fire at the same time and that a “proper response” would have required far more fire trucks and firemen than exist in the entire state.

Tarrant ESD 1 is committed to learning the lessons from the tragedy in the LA Basin and doing our utmost to provide our first responders the tools and support they deserve to ensure this tragedy isn’t repeated in Tarrant County.

With that in mind, Tarrant ESD 1 put out a call for candidates to be the first Executive Director. We receive 24 responses from Fire & EMS professionals from Tarrant County, Texas, and several other states. A Committee made up of two ESD commissioners and 3 Tarrant County Fire Chiefs are working thru a review and selection process under the guidance of our acting Executive Directors (Chief Watson and President Jack of Parker County ESD1). We hope to have a person hired by our February Meeting.

The Executive Director will be responsible and accountable to the ESD Board and Unincorporated Tarrant County Taxpayers to develop the infrastructure, plans, and policies necessary to ensure this tragedy doesn’t happen here.

The Commissioners' Corner

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:56:55 GMT

New Tarrant ESD 1 Logo by Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Rossing

Tarrant ESD 1 has a new logo thanks to the talented Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Rossing ! We are so delighted that our logo came from an actual firefighter/paramedic in Tarrant ESD 1. Chris works in Benbrook and does graphic art on the side. We are so grateful for his work. He has gifted us with a professional and good looking logo.

Chris Rossing is a dedicated firefighter and paramedic service the city of Benbrook, where he has worked since 2013 and held the position of lieutenant as of 2015. Before this, Chris spent four years as a firefighter and paramedic in Pantego. Raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, he completed his training at the Weatherford Fire Academy and earned his paramedic certification through the Training Division.

Married to his wife, Amy, since 1999, Chris is proud of their three sons: Evan, a firefighter in Forney; Liam, currently training at the Fire Academy; and Keaton, a high school student aspiring to join the fire academy next year.

Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoys daily workouts, fishing, hiking, drawing, painting, playing guitar, and pickleball. The family shares a passion for travel, having explored the United States and fifteen other countries. Recently, Chris ha venture into multimedia and graphic arts, embracing his artistic interest with a commitment to continuous learning.

The Commissioners' Corner

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:42:41 GMT

News From the Commissioners of Tarrant County ESD 1

In October, the Emergency Service District met on October 22 in Azle, Texas. The board paid bills, discussed the financial report, and reviewed contracts and service agreements. The board unanimously approved the expenses for painting the brush trucks used by Haslet and Crowley. New budgeting software was discussed and the contract agreement with Weaver was approved. The Interlocal Agreement between Tarrant County and the Tarrant County ESD 1 was approved to ensure a positive working partnership with Tarrant County. Additionally, the board discussed what the outcome of the Fitch study might be and agreed to allow STASH to discuss and research possible locations that might serve as future station locations—the effort is just a proactive move by the district to have as much information as possible ahead of spring decision making once the study comes back on what locations within the district need to have additional services to lower response times. The most exciting agenda item was the approval of the logo created by Benbrook’s very own firefighter/paramedic, Chris Rossing.

Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 Has a New Look

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:01:02 GMT

Benbrook Firefighter and Paramedic Designs New Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 Logo

Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 has a new logo thanks to the talented Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Rossing! As he is so good at doing, he came to our rescue and designed us a fabulous logo that will soon be on ESD 1 trucks and equipment. We are so grateful to Chris!

The Commissioners' Corner

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:52:35 GMT

News From the Commissioners of Tarrant County ESD 1

The Emergency Service District Board met over the summer to address the growing population of the district. With the newly realized revenue from the taxpayer approved sales tax, the commissioners began conversations about ways to improve and enhance response times and equipment shortages. Some short-term solutions were agreed upon in the late spring that allowed both Rendon and Eagle Mountain to receive funding to add an extra crew and ambulance to their departments.

The commissioners requested bids from contractors to conduct a study that would produce data for the district regarding where the largest needs were for service, response times in all district areas, and where the district needs to improve overall service and equipment. The study is ongoing and should be reported at the first of the year or slightly before. In the meantime, the new ambulance crews added to Rendon and Eagle Mountain are lowering EMS response times in the areas that are already seen as needing better service.

In September, the commissioners voted unanimously to pass the balanced budget and set the property tax rate of the Emergency Service District at the No New Revenue Rate.

Currently, the Emergency Services Board is working to prepare for the expected data from their study by researching cost effective ways to add services to the district where citizens have made them aware of slow response times and lacking service.

Additional Ambulance for Rendon Fire!

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:45:50 GMT

Meet the Newest Employees of Rendon Fire!

Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 and Rendon Fire would like to welcome the newest members to the Rendon Fire Family. This additional ambulance is stationed in the Rendon Fire Station to provide augmented EMS services to the southern sections of Tarrant County.

We welcome everyone to the team!

Training Our Newest Employees

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 21:10:25 GMT

New Eagle Mountain Fire Employees With Medical Director!

Eagle Mountain Fire's newest employees are spending days in the Lab with the Eagle Mountain Fire Medical Director Dr. Justin Northeim. As part of their training, our employees spend time with Dr. Justin keeping up with the latest developments in EMS. Once the employees are done, the will head out into the field to begin serving the community.

New Ambulance for Eagle Mountain Fire!

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 20:57:26 GMT

Eagle Mountain Fire Receives New Ambulance and New Employees!

Meet the newest full-time employees of Eagle Mountain Fire!

Each of our newest employees has to first go through our field training process, meet all expectations and then they will be out in the field staffing our new 3rd ambulance. This ambulance will be stationed neat the Lakeside community to provide EMS services to the western sections of Tarrant County.

We welcome everyone to the team!