Mesquite, TX – August 17, 2021 – At the Aug. 16 City Council meeting, the Mesquite Fire Department (MFD) was recognized by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association (TFCA) for exceeding all the identified Best Practices for Texas Fire Departments. TFCA developed the Recognition Program to assist Texas departments in meeting their professional obligations to the citizens of Texas. Only 26 departments in Texas have received the Best Practices Designation, including Mesquite. An appointed committee of fire service professionals from across the state conducts reviews of a department’s efforts and awards “Recognized” status.
MFD Chief Russell Wilson said, “I think the most important thing about this recognition is the fact that it comes from a team of subject matter experts. This isn’t just us saying we are doing things right, it is verification from a very credible third party. That means the citizens of Mesquite can have the utmost confidence that their fire department is doing everything we can to ensure their safety.”
The Best Practice Recognition Program is voluntary. Being “Recognized” means the department meets or exceeds all of the identified Best Practices for Texas Fire Departments. These Best Practices cover all aspects of fire service operations including administration and organization, emergency medical service, training, special operations, records and information management, fire operations, fire prevention - risk reduction - community outreach, response analysis, communications, safety and health, resources management, professional standards and conduct.
In 2020, the Mesquite Fire Department had more than 19,000 calls for service, including 133 structure fires and over 14,000 EMS responses.