James Horton named Fort Worth’s interim fire chief

The Fort Worth Fire Department is now under the direction of interim chief James Horton.

Zooming in

Horton, an assistant fire chief, began his tenure as interim chief Sept. 1, replacing former interim fire chief Raymond Hill. After more than three decades with the Fort Worth Fire Department, Hill retired Sept. 1, according to previous reporting.

Fort Worth City Council approved the appointment at the Aug. 25 meeting.

Horton has 28 years of experience with the fire department. His positions have included fire operations, administration, fire prevention and investigation, emergency medical services and strategic planning and growth. He’s been an assistant chief since September 2025 and was a deputy fire chief in 2022.

Horton was also on the executive committee that worked on the MedStar ambulance service merger with the fire department that was approved in 2024, according to previous reporting.

“Chief Horton is a trusted leader who brings a depth of knowledge and decades of valued experience to this interim role,” said William Johnson, Fort Worth's assistant city manager. “His extensive background will provide strong leadership for the department during this transition.”

Horton has a bachelor’s degree in emergency management and disaster planning and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Texas. He earned a doctorate in urban and public administration from the University of Texas-Arlington.

What else?

A news release stated a national search is underway for the next fire chief.