Summary: When ESD1 assumed the fire fighting responsibilities, the fire fighters, and the fire fighting equipment of Willow Park, they did not take the responsibilities of the Willow Park Fire Marshal. During the 11 April 2023 Council Meeting, the city established a "new" Willow Park Fire Marshal Department.
Latest Update: Wednesday, 12 April, 2023
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"New" Fire Marshal Dept. in Willow Park
On 25 March 2023, Parker County Emergency Services District 1 (ESD1) officially "received command of fire prevention and protection for the City of Willow Park as approved by the annexation election on November 8, 2022" by assuming the Willow Park Fire and Rescue Department. However, ESD1 did not take the responsibilities or employees designated to the Willow Park Fire Marshal. Until the transfer, the Willow Park Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Marshal were also the Willow Park Fire Marshals.
And so they still are. Former Willow Park Fire Chief John Schneider is now the Willow Park Fire Marshal and former Assistant Fire Marshal Kevin Lockwood keeps his position and title.
During the 11 April 2023 Council Meeting, the city established a Willow Park Fire Marshal Office by amending Article 5.02 Fire Marshal office as "independent of all other city offices or departments. The fire marshal shall be appointed by the City Administrator and shall report directly to the City Administrator." (Article 5.02.001)
What does the fire marshal do?
"The fire marshal shall be the chief law enforcement officer for the fire marshal’s office and chief arson investigator and fire code enforcement officer for the City." (Article 5.02.002)
The fire marshal investigates fires (Article 5.02.003) and has authority to charge with crime (Article 5.02.005).
The fire marshal preforms inspections for "hazardous conditions." (Article 5.02.007) and can order abatement of hazardous conditions (Article 5.02.008).
The fire marshal reviews "the plans of a business, single-family residence, multifamily dwelling, or retail or commercial property for fire or life safety hazards (Article 5.02.009).
Willow Park Research
Willow Park Civics > Issues > Fire Department and ESD1
Willow Park Civics Blog > Goodbye Willow Park Fire and Rescue, 14 March 2023
Willow Park Civics Blog > Election Results: Voters approve ESD1 annexing fire department. Props A&B, 10 November 2022
Willow Park Civics Blog > Voter Ed: Selling the WP Fire Dept. Props A&B, 04 November 2022
Willow Park Civics Blog > WP Fire Department may be transferred to PC ESD1, 12 August 2022
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