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The 5 Major Challenges And Triumphs Of The City Of Midland Fire Department In 2025

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The City of Midland Fire Department (MFD) is currently navigating one of its most challenging and active periods in recent history. As of late 2025, the department has seen a significant surge in call volume, with total activity on track to exceed the previous year’s records, a trend driven primarily by a sharp increase in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and "other" calls, rather than traditional fire suppression efforts. This operational shift underscores the MFD's evolving role as a comprehensive public safety agency dedicated not only to fire safety but also to community health and emergency response across a growing service area.

This deep-dive article, based on the latest available data and reports from late 2025, explores the MFD's organizational structure, the biography of its leadership, and the critical programs it employs to manage its expanding responsibilities, including its vital Community Healthcare Program and extensive Community Risk Reduction initiatives. Understanding these facets provides a complete picture of the dedicated men and women serving the Permian Basin community.

Midland Fire Department Command Staff and Chief Michael Tully Biography

The Midland Fire Department is led by a dedicated command staff, with a long-serving professional at the helm. The department's structure is designed to manage its ten fire stations, the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) division, and a complex array of emergency services across the city and surrounding county area.

  • Name: Michael Tully
  • Position: Fire Chief, Midland Fire Department (MFD)
  • Service History: Chief Tully is a lifelong Midlander who began his career with the Midland Fire Department in 2004.
  • Career Progression: He ascended through the ranks, initially serving as a Firefighter and Engineer.
  • Appointment: Named the ninth Fire Chief of the Midland Fire Department, bringing over 20 years of dedicated service to the role.
  • Vision: As a lifelong resident, Chief Tully has expressed a commitment to advancing the MFD’s programs and overall community safety initiatives.

Chief Tully’s leadership focuses on modernizing department operations and strengthening community partnerships to address the unique challenges of a rapidly growing city. His tenure is marked by a commitment to the department's mission: to make a positive difference in the community by being a progressive, quality-driven organization.

The 2025 Surge: A 6.5% Increase in Emergency Call Volume

One of the most pressing operational challenges facing the MFD in 2025 is the dramatic spike in emergency calls. The department's activity has not only increased but has also fundamentally shifted in nature, demanding a flexible and robust response strategy.

The Numbers Tell the Story

From January through November 2025, the Midland Fire Department reported a staggering 21,130 calls for fire, EMS, or "other" services. This figure represents a significant increase of 6.5% compared to the same period in the previous year, signaling a sustained upward trend in emergency service demand.

  • Total Calls (Jan-Nov 2025): 21,130
  • Year-over-Year Increase: 6.5%
  • Leading Call Types: The surge is predominantly led by EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and "other" calls, which encompass a wide range of non-fire emergencies, reflecting the department's role as the primary first responder for all types of crises.

Expanding Service Beyond City Limits

The call surge is further complicated by the fact that the MFD frequently responds to incidents outside the official city limits, serving the broader Midland County area. In a clear indication of this expanded service footprint, nearly one in five MFD runs are made outside the city proper. For instance, in November 2025, 16.7% of all calls originated from residents living in the county. This level of service requires extensive coordination and resource allocation to handle incidents like RV fires outside city limits and other blazes in the surrounding areas.

Key Community Risk Reduction and Healthcare Programs

To proactively address community needs and mitigate risks, the Midland Fire Department has developed several key programs that extend its impact far beyond emergency response. These initiatives are central to the department’s modern focus on Community Risk Reduction (CRR) and public health.

1. The Community Healthcare Program (CHP)

Recognizing the strain of non-emergency medical calls on the 9-1-1 system, the MFD has partnered with Midland Memorial Hospital and other entities to launch the Community Healthcare Program (CHP). This collaborative program is designed to address the needs of frequent EMS users and to provide proactive care, aiming to reduce repeat emergency calls and connect residents with appropriate primary healthcare resources. The CHP is a prime example of the MFD's evolution into a community health partner.

2. Fire Prevention and Education Initiatives

The department places a high value on prevention, partnering with national organizations to educate the public. In September 2025, the MFD teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote Fire Prevention Week, focusing on essential safety knowledge. Ongoing programs include:

  • Home Safety Surveys: Residents can schedule a comprehensive home safety survey with the MFD to identify potential hazards and ensure proper functioning of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Responding to multiple carbon-monoxide-related calls highlights the importance of these alarms, which the MFD actively promotes as lifesaving gifts.
  • Child Car Seat Safety: MFD personnel are trained to assist parents and caregivers with child car seat installation and safety checks, a critical service for accident prevention.
  • Community Risk Reduction (CRR): The overall CRR strategy focuses on a holistic approach to safety, recognizing the need to address accidental-death and non-accidental death incidents alongside traditional fire prevention.

Career Opportunities and the Future of MFD Recruitment

With the call volume increasing, the need for new, qualified personnel is constant. The Midland Fire Department actively recruits individuals to join its ranks, offering a clear pathway for a career in public safety.

Career opportunities for the Midland Fire Department are posted on the City of Midland's employment website. The recruitment process is rigorous, designed to select the most capable candidates for the demanding role of a firefighter.

The Firefighter Recruitment Process

Prospective firefighters must successfully navigate a multi-stage process, which typically includes:

  • Written Test: Applicants are first ranked based on their scores from a written examination.
  • Physical Agility Test: Candidates must demonstrate the physical fitness required to perform the essential duties of a firefighter.
  • Oral Interview: Selected candidates proceed to an oral interview for final evaluation.

The department also frequently hires for the "Non-Certified Fire Recruit" position, offering a full-time opportunity for individuals ready to begin their training and service to the community.

The City of Midland Fire Department continues to be a pillar of public safety, adapting to the complex demands of a growing community. From the leadership of Chief Michael Tully to the front-line firefighters managing a record-breaking number of EMS and fire calls, the MFD remains committed to its mission of progressive, quality-driven service for all residents of Midland and the surrounding county.

city of midland fire department
city of midland fire department

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