Fort Worth, Texas – In a significant move to bolster its emergency medical services, the City of Fort Worth has officially approved a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Association, part of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 440. The agreement, ratified during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, marks a pivotal step in reshaping how emergency services are delivered across the city.
This newly approved MOU amends the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) specifically for EMS personnel who will be joining the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) starting in July 2025. This strategic amendment comes ahead of the planned dissolution of MedStar, which currently provides ambulance services. Post-dissolution, the responsibility of offering emergency ambulance services to multiple cities within Tarrant County will transition to the FWFD.
One of the most notable aspects of the MOU is the provision of civil service status to former MedStar employees who will continue serving as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and telecommunicators under the FWFD. This transition is not just a transfer of responsibilities but a significant upgrade in the employment status and benefits for these essential service providers.
Additionally, the MOU introduces critical changes to the disciplinary processes, specifically addressing firefighters struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. Under the new agreement, affected personnel will have access to necessary treatment and counseling, reflecting a compassionate approach to workforce management and a focus on recovery and rehabilitation.
“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,” Valerie Washington, assistant city manager, said.
The decision to integrate ambulance services into the FWFD has been in the pipeline for years, stemming from ongoing discussions about enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Fort Worth’s emergency response system. The integration is expected to bring about a more unified and seamless approach to handling emergencies, where fire and medical services operate under a single operational umbrella. Leaders in the city believe this model will not only streamline responses but also ensure the financial sustainability of these critical services.
The new agreement is set to expire on September 30, 2026, providing a window for the city and Local 440 to assess the effectiveness of these changes and make further adjustments if necessary. This forward-looking strategy is aimed at maintaining high standards of patient care, ensuring that both residents and visitors to Fort Worth have access to timely and high-quality medical responses in their times of need.
As Fort Worth prepares for this transition, the FWFD is geared up to take on a pivotal role in the region’s emergency medical landscape, promising enhanced service delivery that prioritizes quick response times and high patient care quality. The city’s approach serves as a potential model for other municipalities considering similar integration of services to improve efficiency and care standards.