Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Mutual Aid Agreements
Through a mutual aid agreement known as the Ellis Dallas Unified Command Team (EDUCT), Waxahachie Fire-Rescue assists other cities when emergencies exceed their capability or capacity. This same agreement also provides assistance to Waxahachie Fire-Rescue when needed. In addition to Waxahachie Fire-Rescue, member organizations of EDUCT include the fire departments from the cities of Cedar Hill, Corsicana, DeSoto, Duncanville, Ennis, Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Lancaster, Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak, and Wilmer.
Additionally, our department also participates in the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). Currently, 18 members of the department are TIFMAS credentialed as Structure and Wildland Firefighters. Through TIFMAS, Waxahachie Fire-Rescue supplies and is able to receive aid from member departments throughout the state.
Dive Team
Since 2013, Waxahachie Fire-Rescue has staffed its own Dive Team which consists of 19 members who are PADI certified as Public Safety Divers. The Team and its equipment are assigned to Station 2. In addition to response within the City of Waxahachie, the Dive Team is available for response within Ellis County as well as the member Cities of EDUCT.
Technical Rescues
Several members of the department have been trained in various types of technical rescues, such as high angle rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, and vehicle extrication. Red Oak Fire-Rescue and Dallas Fire-Rescue provides assistance for rescues beyond our scope of training and equipment.
Swift Water Rescue Team
With the development that is occurring in the City and our surrounding area, the frequency and severity of swift water emergencies is increasing. To address this issue, the department formed a Swift Water Rescue Team in 2020. Currently, the department has 12 members trained as Swift Water Rescue Technicians. The team is equipped with a 2020 Inmar Inflatable Rescue Boat and Raft.
Hazardous Materials Response
The department does not have its own Hazardous Materials Team for response to a chemical spill or release. However, our department does respond to such emergencies to control the spill and lessen the associated dangers until we are able to obtain a response from the Hazardous Material Team of Dallas Fire-Rescue. Once the emergency is under control, private contractors are used for any cleanup that is required at the expense of the property owner.
Fire Prevention
The Fire Prevention Division of Waxahachie Fire-Rescue has 2 members assigned to it, including the Fire Marshal and a Battalion Chief/Inspector. The Fire Prevention staff operates out of the Fire Administration office (407 Water Street). The duties of the Fire Prevention Division include:
- Enforcing the laws of the City of Waxahachie and the State of Texas pertaining to fire prevention and arson.
- Conducting Certificate of Occupancy and other inspections to ensure compliance with fire and safety codes and ordinances.
- Scheduling and conducting comprehensive educational programs on fire safety and fire prevention for commercial businesses and industrial organizations.
- Investigating the cause of fires, determining facts, and gathering evidence of suspicious and suspected arson fires.
- Assisting in the formulation and revision of ordinances and fire codes.
- Reviewing building plans to ensure compliance with life and fire safety requirements.
Fire Training for Waxahachie Fire-Rescue is headed by Assistant Chief Marcus Brown. The department has a drill tower and burn building which are located at 211 Lions Park Road. EMS Training for the department is conducted by UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Free Blood Pressure Screenings
Medication Disposal