FORT WORTH, Texas - Fort Worth Fire Chief Raymond Hill will retire on Sept. 1, concluding a more than 30-year career with the Fort Worth Fire Department that included leading the city's transition to a fire-based emergency medical services system.
Hill joined the department as a firefighter in December 1994 and rose through every rank before being appointed assistant chief of Educational and Logistical Services in 2018. He became interim fire chief in 2025 and has overseen one of the department's most significant operational changes.
Led Transition to Fire-Based EMS
Under Hill's leadership, the Fort Worth Fire Department assumed responsibility for emergency medical services, a transition city officials say significantly improved response times.
According to the City of Fort Worth, average EMS response times have decreased from nearly 12.5 minutes to approximately 8.5 minutes over the past year while maintaining high-quality emergency services.
Assistant City Manager William Johnson praised Hill's leadership during the transition.
"Chief Hill has dedicated more than 30 years to serving the residents of Fort Worth with integrity, professionalism and unwavering commitment," Johnson said. "His leadership during the City's transition to a fire-based EMS system has transformed emergency response and positioned the department for continued success."
Three Decades of Service
Throughout his career, Hill oversaw numerous critical functions within the department, including:
- Recruit and in-service training
- Office of Emergency Management
- Personnel health and wellness
- Personal protective equipment and supply
- Fire apparatus and vehicle services
- Fire Alarm Office
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shop
Hill said serving alongside the department's firefighters and staff has been the honor of his career.
"It has been an honor to serve alongside the dedicated men and women of the Fort Worth Fire Department over the past 30 years," Hill said. "Together, we've strengthened this department and achieved meaningful progress for the community we serve. I will always be proud of what we've accomplished and have every confidence the department will continue to build on that success."
National Search Planned
The City of Fort Worth announced it will begin a national search for its next fire chief in the coming weeks. Additional details about the recruitment process are expected to be released at a later date.
