Michael Rainey discusses fire station study for emergency services in Kaufman County

In a pivotal meeting on June 17, 2025, the Forney City Council focused on the urgent need to enhance fire and emergency services in response to the city's rapid growth. Chief Holcomb highlighted the importance of a comprehensive fire station study aimed at evaluating current and future service needs, identifying optimal station locations, and ensuring resources are effectively positioned to serve residents.

To spearhead this initiative, the city has partnered with Michael Rainey and Associates, a firm renowned for its expertise in fire service planning. Rainey, who joined the meeting virtually, emphasized the significance of a data-driven evaluation process to assess the distribution and performance of fire resources. He noted that the study will not only analyze current operations but also project future needs based on anticipated population growth, which has surged by 51% within city limits since 2020.

Rainey detailed the methodology, which includes comparing current performance against national benchmarks and identifying gaps that could be addressed through strategic resource allocation. The study will explore five potential new fire station locations, aiming to maximize service efficiency and effectiveness as the community continues to expand.

The council was informed that incident assignments have increased by 78% from 2019 to 2024, reflecting the growing demands on emergency services. Rainey pointed out that this trend correlates with the rising population density, particularly in areas further from existing fire stations, posing challenges for timely response.

As the city prepares for its next steps, including a detailed analysis of performance metrics and improvement strategies, the council's commitment to proactive planning for fire and emergency services remains clear. The anticipated outcomes of this study are expected to significantly enhance the safety and well-being of Forney's residents as the community evolves.