With Growth Comes Change: A Proud Moment for Wolfforth’s First Full-Time Fire Department

February 6, 2025

Growth brings change—it’s something we all experience. It reshapes our lives, our communities, and our future. Wolfforth knows this change well, having more than doubled in population since 2020. We’ve seen it in our expanding neighborhoods, improved infrastructure, thriving schools, new businesses, and an exciting retail boom on the horizon. But one of the most crucial areas of growth was in our emergency services—police, fire, and EMS.

This past Monday, February 3, 2025, marked a historic milestone as Fire Chief Lance Barrett proudly presented Wolfforth’s very first full-time fire and EMS department. In an emotional address to the city council, Chief Barrett reflected on the department’s journey. Wolfforth’s fire service began in 1954 as a volunteer department. In 2003, the volunteer EMS merged with fire, and limited staffing was introduced—primarily for EMS support. For years, we had just three employees, sometimes full-time, sometimes part-time, until 2024. But as our city rapidly expanded, so did the need for a dedicated, fully staffed fire department.

After rigorous panel interviews, demanding physical tests, and one-on-one evaluations with Chief Barrett, we are proud to introduce Wolfforth’s first team of 18 full-time fire and EMS professionals. They are committed to serving our community and upholding the high safety standards that make Wolfforth such a great place to call home.

Writing this fills me with pride. As someone who grew up in Wolfforth in the ‘80s and ‘90s, with a mother who served as a volunteer paramedic, I’ve seen firsthand the heart and dedication that have always been part of this city. Watching Wolfforth evolve into the strong, forward-thinking community we are today has been nothing short of incredible. It’s an honor to work for a city that values both progress and tradition—one that takes intentional steps to preserve our identity while embracing the future. And today, as both a resident and as the city’s economic development director, I couldn’t be prouder of our fire department and the people who make this community so special.

Here’s to the next chapter in Wolfforth’s growth—one built on safety, service, and an unwavering commitment to the people who call it home.