Fort Worth is America's 2nd fastest-growing city. But while our population grows, the City's current budget proposal moves in the opposite direction on emergency response, reducing minimum staffing on fire trucks from 4 firefighters to 3 for portions of the day, and leaving ambulance units sidelined due to paramedic shortages.

This isn't a hypothetical. It means slower response times when you call 911. It means fewer firefighters on scene during the critical first minutes of a fire or medical emergency. And it's happening as our city adds more residents, more calls, and more demand every year.

Fort Worth residents have already made their priorities clear. In a recent City of Fort Worth survey, over 90% of residents said it is unacceptable to cut Fire and EMS response. That's not the firefighters' opinion. That's what our neighbors told city leaders directly.

For years, the firefighters of IAFF Local 440 worked in good faith to address staffing and funding concerns behind the scenes. After being repeatedly turned away, contract negotiations with the City have reached impasse. We've been left with no choice but to bring this to the community we serve.

Budgets reflect priorities. Residents made Fire and EMS their top priority. It's time city management does too.

We are asking Fort Worth City Council and city management to:

1. Fully fund Fire and EMS staffing, including reversing proposed reductions from 4 to 3 firefighters per truck
2. Address the paramedic shortage causing ambulance unit shutdowns
3. Ensure the 2027 city budget reflects what residents have already said is their top priority
4. Commit to transparency and accountability in how emergency response funding decisions are made

Sign this petition to tell Fort Worth city management: Fire and EMS response isn't optional. It's the baseline every resident deserves as this city keeps growing.