Dallas civil service board allows former firefighter Michael Tracy to begin rehire process

The Dallas Civil Service Board voted unanimously on Aug. 12 to allow former Dallas Fire Department firefighter Michael Tracy to file an application to be considered for rehire by the City of Dallas.

Board Chairman Terrence Welch opened the rehire-eligibility appeal hearing and gave Tracy an opportunity to explain why he wanted to return to the department. Tracy said his termination in January 2019 followed a morning random breathalyzer reading of 0.039 and that the event made him “a liability” at work. He told the board he subsequently completed six weeks of inpatient treatment at an International Association of Fire Fighters mental-health and substance-abuse center in Maryland, followed by 12 months of outpatient care, and has been sober since January 2020.

“I have been sober from January 2020. I've got over 5 years sober,” Tracy said during the hearing. He also described new training and work experience since his termination, telling the board he now works for Sunnyvale Fire and was promoted to driver engineer and that he completed about 1,500 hours of additional specialty training and urban search and rescue certifications.

The board debated whether to allow Tracy to move forward with the rehire application process. Board member Gerber, who said she had chaired his trial board in December 2009, praised his steps toward recovery and recommended giving him another chance. Board member Pan Durber moved to permit Tracy to file for rehire; Bridget Mitchell seconded the motion. Chairman Terrence Welch called for a voice vote. The board approved the motion with all members present voting in favor.

The board’s action permits Tracy to begin the city’s rehire application process; it does not guarantee rehiring. Chairman Welch and other members noted that the motion simply allows the procedural steps for application and departmental consideration to proceed.

Tracy told the board the original DWI-related arrest that led to his placement in the department’s alcohol-rehabilitative program was later dismissed in court. He said he took “full accountability” and emphasized his interest in supporting colleagues who may be struggling with similar issues, citing the cultural pressures in fire service to ‘‘tough out’’ traumatic calls.

The board did not take further formal action at the hearing beyond allowing Tracy to file an application. The board and staff encouraged him to proceed with the civil-service steps required for consideration by the Dallas Fire Department.