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Carrollton Fire Department reports steady call volume, expanded EMS capabilities and station plans
Summary
Fire Chief Michael Thompson briefed council on 2025 operations: 15,649 calls (10,206 EMS), new ambulance ultrasound units, a bariatric ambulance, sustained ISO 1 rating, and station projects (Station 6 bids under review; Station 6 target completion 2027).
Fire Chief Michael Thompson presented a comprehensive 2025 operations and facilities update to the Carrollton City Council on Jan. 20, highlighting EMS growth, training hours, community programs and a multi‑station construction timeline.
Thompson said the department handled 15,649 calls in 2025—about 10,206 EMS calls and 5,443 fire-related calls—and continues to see EMS growth (11% over five years). Carrollton maintained an ISO 1 rating; average response time figures were 5 minutes 43 seconds for fire incidents and 4 minutes 49 seconds for EMS calls. The department also won the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Gold recognition for cardiac care performance.
Thompson described new medical capabilities, including ambulance-mounted ultrasound devices and a retrofitted bariatric ambulance, and outlined workforce initiatives: a lateral transfer hiring program, high candidate interest (626 registrants for recent exams) and rapid onboarding for certified candidates. He said the department delivered nearly 77,000 hours of training in 2025 and recorded numerous advanced certifications.
On prevention and community programs, Thompson highlighted an Overdose Response Team (grant-funded with Dallas County Health), a Right Site telemedicine option for paramedics to triage nonemergent cases, and deployment of a compliance engine to automate contractor follow-ups for fire-protection system repairs—saving staff time equivalent to approximately one FTE in prevention work.
Thompson also gave facility and capital updates: bids opened for Station 6 with a review underway and a projected 2027 completion; Station 5 design work is under contract consideration with completion targeted for 2028. Two stations proposed in a bond measure would proceed to design if approved by voters, with anticipated completion in 2029–2030. He noted ongoing interim repairs and investments to keep older stations safe and serviceable.
Council members asked about living-quarters improvements, mold checks and the exterior appearance of new stations; Thompson said interiors will prioritize functionality and cost‑effective materials for durability, and that targeted investments are planned for older stations while new ones are brought online.
The council did not take formal votes on these operational items; the update was provided for oversight and planning.
