Lillie Davidson

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

(TNS)

The Fort Worth Fire Department’s interim chief will retire next month after over 30 years in the fire service, city officials announced Thursday.

Chief Raymond Hill, who took the department’s top spot in October 2025, will leave the job Sept. 1, according to a statement. Hill took over for former fire chief Jim Davis after Davis resigned while on administrative leave due to a “personnel matter,” the Star-Telegram previously reported.

Hill joined the department as a firefighter in 1994 and worked his way up the ranks before being named the assistant chief of educational and logistical services in 2018, according to the statement.

During his tenure, Hill “led the department through one of the most significant operational transitions in its history” as the department assumed control of ambulance services and the city’s former emergency medical services provider, MedStar.

“Chief Hill has dedicated more than 30 years to serving the residents of Fort Worth with integrity, professionalism and unwavering commitment,” Assistant City Manager William Johnson said. “His leadership during the City’s transition to a fire-based EMS system has transformed emergency response and positioned the department for continued success.”

“It has been an honor to serve alongside the dedicated men and women of the Fort Worth Fire Department over the past 30 years,” Hill said. “Together, we’ve strengthened this department and achieved meaningful progress for the community we serve. I will always be proud of what we’ve accomplished and have every confidence the department will continue to build on that success.”

City officials will begin the search for the Fire Department’s next chief “in the coming weeks,” according to the statement. Additional details about the search will be announced at a later date.

“As the city begins this transition, we look forward to working with the city manager, mayor, and city council to conduct a nationwide, independent search for the next fire chief,” officials with the Fort Worth firefighters’ union said. “Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and our firefighters and residents deserve a proven leader with the experience and vision to guide the department into the future.”

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