The Dallas Civil Service Board convened on September 9, 2025, to address the rehire eligibility appeal of Timothy Parris, a former employee of the Dallas Fire Department. The meeting began with a review of the necessary documentation, which had not been distributed to all board members prior to the session. However, the board proceeded with the discussion after confirming that Mr. Parris had submitted relevant paperwork.

Mr. Parris was initially appointed to the Dallas Fire and Rescue on November 1, 2017, but was discharged on December 6, 2022, due to failure in remedial training. In his appeal, he emphasized that his termination was not related to job performance or disciplinary issues, a point supported by a letter from the former fire chief, Artis. Mr. Parris explained that he had successfully completed paramedic school in 2022 but struggled to pass the National Paramedic Registry Exam, which ultimately led to his dismissal.

In his appeal letter, Mr. Parris expressed his commitment to the fire service and detailed his efforts to maintain his skills while working as an EMT and currently as a paramedic technician at Dallas Regional Medical Center. He highlighted his dedication to the community and his desire to return to the Dallas Fire Department, stating that he has been actively engaged in the field and is ready to resume his duties.

During the meeting, board members inquired about Mr. Parris's employment history since his termination, noting that he had worked with Priority Care Transit from April 2023 to February 2025. Mr. Parris explained that he had been waiting for an opportunity to re-enter paramedic school and had taken on various jobs to support his family during this time.

The board discussed the civil service rules regarding rehire eligibility, which require former employees to demonstrate effective performance in a stable work environment. Mr. Parris's appeal will be reviewed in light of these criteria, and the board will consider his work history and contributions to the community as part of their decision-making process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the board to review Mr. Parris's case thoroughly, with further discussions anticipated in future sessions. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for Mr. Parris's career and the Dallas Fire Department's staffing needs.