Kilgore Fire and Rescue
Information below is sourced from the City of Kilgore Fire Department website.
Fire Administration
Kilgore Fire Department's Administration building is located at 815 N. Kilgore Street inside the City Hall building. Our office is open Monday - Friday. All fire stations are open 24/7 for emergency situations.
The Administrative Staff consists of the:
- Fire Chief
- Fire Marshal
- Rescue Chief
- Office Manager
Ryan Riley
Fire Chief
Phone: 903-988-4139
Terry Linder
Fire Marshal
Phone: 903-988-4111
Audrey Pace
Office Manager
Phone: 903-988-4112
A message from Fire Chief Ryan Riley
It is my honor to represent the dedicated firefighters that proudly serve and protect the citizens of Kilgore. It is a privilege to work with a progressive and proactive organization that is continuously striving to meet the emergency needs of our community.
The Kilgore Fire Department is continually looking for more efficient ways to meet these community needs. One example of this is the purchase of our new rapid response vehicle (Tactical 1). This vehicle meets all of the needs of an emergency response vehicle while being more efficient and economical.
The firefighters train on a regular basis, teaming up with Kilgore College to ensure a department that is knowledgeable and reliable while exceeding industry standards. Because of the training, education and policies, the Kilgore Fire Department is proud to be Best Practices recognized by the Texas Fire Chief's Association and have a low ISO rating of 2.
Kilgore Rescue
The Rescue Unit is a volunteer organization that performs under the direction of the Fire Department and is supervised by the Fire Chief.
Apply
Rescue members are selected following an application, driver’s license record check, criminal history and background check by the Fire Marshal. Additionally a drug and alcohol screen performed by the City Physician. Applicants will then be approved by current Rescue members and the Rescue Chief. Final acceptance and approval will be made by the Fire Chief.
Qualifications
The following qualifications are required to become a member of the Rescue Unit:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years old
- Must have a current and valid Texas driver’s license
- Must have earned a high school diploma or a General Education Degree or pending as approved by the Fire Chief
- Must live within the City limits or in its ETJ unless approved by the Kilgore Fire Chief
New Rescue members are required to serve a one year probationary period prior to becoming an official member. They are also required to attend Unit meetings and training activities as determined by the Rescue Chief.
Requirements for Probationary Volunteers
Probationary volunteers will need to complete the following:
- Prior to riding out with fire department apparatus the volunteer shall complete NIMS 100.
- Prior to any hands-on participation, the volunteer shall complete the Courage to Be Safe program and Everyone Goes Home.
- Prior to driving any City vehicle the volunteer shall complete an emergency driver/operator awareness class.
- Within one year of joining the Unit, the Probationary Volunteer, shall also successfully complete:
- Certified CPR and First Aid classes
- Introduction to Haz-Mat
- NIMS 200
- NIMS 700
- NIMS 800
- SCBA and Cascade Air System Check-off
Department Profile:
The City of Kilgore was incorporated in 1931 and soon after established a fire department to serve the needs of the community. The Kilgore Fire Department is the emergency response system that covers approximately 75.5 square miles to include the City of Kilgore and surrounding areas in Gregg and Rusk Counties. They currently serve an estimated population of 20,000.
Services included are fire protection, fire inspections, rescue services, community education in first aid, cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation, fire extinguisher training, citizen’s fire academy, as well as involvement in other community projects. All Kilgore Fire personnel are EMT level or above and 90% of Kilgore firefighters are certified Wildland Firefighters.
The Department hosts an annual S.A.F.F.E. (Special Abilities Family Fun Event) Day every year in September. The event is designed to focus on anyone with special needs or abilities. The day is for people with special needs and their families, allowing them to participate in fun, educational, and exciting activities that are free. Most activities are fire service and safety oriented such as hose spraying to put out house fires and ring a bell, ride in the fire truck, safety puppet shows, balloons, clowns, soar into the air in a fire department aerial platform, face painting, educational booths to get assistance, free food, fire obstacle course, and entertainment. This is a special day that rewards all participants, firefighters, city employees, volunteers, and our friends that donate to make this event successful.