City, Firefighters Association OK adding EMS personnel to FWFD

City, Firefighters Association OK adding EMS personnel to FWFD

Published on December 13, 2024

The City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Firefighters Association have taken a big step toward creating a new approach to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). During their final negotiated contract meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, they reached a tentative deal on a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement (MOU).

MedStar currently provides emergency and nonemergency ambulance services to multiple cities in Tarrant County. The agreement outlined would allow the City to hire current MedStar emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics into the City of Fort Worth's Fire Department, which would help launch a new EMS program and improve services for the community.

"This agreement marks a turning point in creating an EMS system for Fort Worth and the cities that will receive services through the EMS system," said Dana Burghdoff, Fort Worth assistant city manager. "It's all about creating stability, improving working conditions and providing top-notch emergency care to our community."

The decision to bring ambulance services into the Fire Department comes after years of discussions about strengthening Fort Worth's EMS system. Leaders sought a more unified approach to emergency response, where fire and medical services could work seamlessly under one department. This will ensure that EMS for residents and visitors is financially sustainable, responsive, timely and focused on high-quality patient care.

In May 2024, the Fort Worth City Council approved a plan to transition EMS services into the Fire Department. A City Council work session update is set for Jan. 14, and then the Fort Worth City Council will vote Jan. 28 for final approval.

The draft agreement focuses on key improvements, including:

• Civil Service status for EMS and Telecommunicator employees
• Better pay and benefits
• Clear processes for hiring and promotions in the future.

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