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Denton Fire Department wins ISO 1, CAST accreditation and tests electric fire truck; chief calls drones a "game changer"
Summary
Fire Chief Kenneth Hedges reported an ISO Class 1 upgrade, CAST accreditation and one year of data on the city’s electric fire truck. He emphasized drone capabilities for thermal imaging and search‑and‑rescue and outlined station and apparatus plans tied to 2023 bond projects.
Fire Chief Kenneth Hedges told the council on April 21 that the Denton Fire Department achieved a top ISO Class 1 classification and earned national accreditation, accomplishments the department says will help residents and businesses with insurance premiums and demonstrate adherence to best practices.
Hedges highlighted that the electric fire truck has been in service a year and that the department is compiling energy‑use data that will be shared in the coming weeks. He also described the expansion of drone functions: thermal imaging for hot‑spot detection, nighttime search and rescue and potential medical‑supply deliveries. "To me, this is a game changer," Hedges said of drone‑first responder use.
Operational metrics included over 46,000 unit responses in 2025 and a continuing focus on tiered responses and station planning. Hedges described a transition to a 48/96 shift schedule and a new EMS lieutenant role intended to serve as an on‑shift safety officer and to help build a community‑paramedic program.
Councilors praised the department for accreditation work and facility planning and asked staff to return with focused analyses on district call patterns and facility placements. Hedges noted station 6 is expected to open in the fall and that other bond projects remain on the schedule.
