ABOUT

JEFFREY "Jeff" BALLEW

Jeff Ballew began his service with Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 (TCESD1) on October 6, 2025, bringing more than 15 years of executive-level public safety leadership to the District.


Prior to joining TCESD1, Chief Ballew served as Public Safety Director for the City of Edgecliff Village from April 2010 to October 2025, where he provided strategic oversight for fire, emergency medical services, emergency management, fire prevention, and public safety operations. In this role, he led personnel development, regulatory compliance, interagency coordination, and long-term public safety planning while strengthening regional partnerships across North Texas.


Chief Ballew is widely recognized for his operational leadership, commitment to professional standards, and dedication to community risk reduction. His career reflects a strong emphasis on interagency collaboration, instructor development, fire investigation, emergency preparedness, and executive leadership within the fire service.


Professional Affiliations

Chief Ballew maintains active involvement in numerous state, national, and regional professional organizations, including:

  • International Association of Fire Chiefs
  • Texas Fire Chiefs Association
  • Texas Fire Marshals Association
  • State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas
  • Tarrant County Fire Chiefs Association
  • International Association of Arson Investigators
  • Southern Emergency Response Preparedness Association — President (2015–2016)
  • Tarrant County Fire & Arson Investigators Association
  • Texas Association of EMS Educators
  • Emergency Management Association of Texas
  • International Code Council
  • Fire Instructors Association of North Texas
  • Texas Floodplain Management Association
  • North Texas Firefighters & Fire Marshals Association


Honors & Recognition

Chief Ballew’s career has been distinguished by numerous awards recognizing courage, leadership, and lifesaving service:

  • Firefighter of the Year (2023) – State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas
  • Medal of Valor (2011)
  • Officer of the Year – Four-time recipient
  • Life Saving Award – Eight-time recipient
  • Letter of Commendation (2011) – Tarrant County Sheriff's Office


Chief Ballew remains committed to advancing professional excellence, fostering collaborative regional partnerships, and ensuring the highest level of service to the communities served by TCESD1. His leadership philosophy centers on integrity, accountability, mentorship, and preparedness—ensuring that both personnel and community remain resilient in the face of evolving public safety challenges.