City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has appointed Interim Chief Justin Ball as the next Chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR), effective April 23, 2025. The announcement was made today, April 10, 2025.
Chief Ball's appointment follows a competitive selection process that included 32 applicants and narrowed down to four semifinalists, comprised of current and former Fire Chiefs and executives. These candidates participated in meet and greets and feedback panels.
"Chief Ball has a demonstrated track record of strong leadership. He has brought fresh ideas to solve problems and seized on innovative opportunities to take this internationally recognized department to the next level," said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. "I appreciate his contribution to keeping Dallas at the top of the leaderboard as one of the safest large cities in the country, and his dedication to the DFR team."
As Dallas' 18th Fire Chief, Ball will manage a $430 million budget and lead approximately 2200 personnel in providing fire and emergency medical services to the city. He has been with DFR since 1997, rising through the ranks from firefighter paramedic to Executive Assistant Chief of Operations.
Chief Ball joined the department in 1997 and has advanced through the ranks - from firefighter paramedic to Field Deputy Chief, Executive Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and ultimately Executive Assistant Chief of Operations.
As Assistant Chief, he was the incident commander when an EF-3 hit Dallas in October of 2019. He led the search and rescue efforts of 904 buildings.
Chief Ball has led the department through various large scale emergencies and incidents in Dallas throughout his career.
Chief Ball took on the role of Interim Fire Chief in June after Chief Dominique Artis was appointed as the City's first Chief of Public Safety.
"It's an incredible honor to have been selected as the permanent Chief to lead the brave men and women with whom I have the pleasure of working with each day," said Chief Justin Ball. "I look forward to building on our positive momentum, focusing on the safety and wellness of our members, and continuing to deliver the best service to this community."
