New Fire Chief Takes Reins in TX City

Oct. 17 -- Fort Worth’s new fire chief, Jim Davis, has arrived.

Davis, a former assistant fire chief in Columbus, Ohio, takes over an 987-member department that has a $145 million annual budget. He was formally sworn in Tuesday.

“I have the privilege to take this organization and see what happens next and to take it the next level, I hope,” Davis said.

Davis said he he would push for collaboration, communication and data-driven research as he leads the department.

He has 20 years of experience as a critical care and flight nurse.

Fort Worth city manager David Cooke said Davis’ medical background is a major asset.

“I am confident that we have found the right person for the job,” Cooke said in a statement to staff. “Jim has the right mix of experience and enthusiasm to help our fire department continue to excel. His strong background in training and emergency response will be invaluable assets to our department and our city.”

Davis replaces Rudy Jackson, who retired earlier this year with more than 30 years with the department and more than 10 years as its leader.

Jackson presented Davis with the ceremonial firefighter’s helmet symbolizing his passing of duties onto Davis.

He spent the day visiting fire stations and meeting with city leaders. Davis previously said he sees challenges for the department, especially as Fort Worth grows.

“When you’re not landlocked or growth-restricted that’s a good opportunity,” Davis said in July. “I also think that brings a lot of challenges. The folks that are building in the outlying areas instead of the center core have services that need to be provided and they need to be provided in a timely manner.”

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