03/16/2026
This month marks an incredible milestone — 75 years of service for the Eagle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. For three quarters of a century, our volunteers and paid staff have proudly protected the citizens of northwest Tarrant County with dedication, professionalism, and heart.
At midnight on March 31st, Eagle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department will officially cease emergency operations. The Tarrant County Emergency Services District No. 1 will take over the operations without any interruption in service. Some of our paid professional fire and EMS employees will be transitioning into the ESD workforce which will be great assets to the ESD.
This is a bittersweet moment for all of us. While it is never easy to close a chapter in our department’s long and proud history, this transition is essential to keep pace with the rapid growth of northwest unincorporated Tarrant County. With newly appointed ESD board members who have a renewed vision for the future, along with new leadership focused on strengthening service, we are confident this change will provide more sufficient fire and emergency services for this community.
Though the transition has come more quickly than we had originally anticipated, we passionately believe it is the right step forward and will serve the best interests of property owners, taxpayers, and those that will need emergency services throughout the district.
Eagle Mountain VFD will work closely with ESD leadership to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Our priority remains unchanged — protecting the lives and property of those we serve.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers over the past 75 years who have built this department into one of the finest volunteer fire departments in Tarrant County. I also want to thank our paid staff, whose professionalism and commitment have strengthened our service to the community all the way to the end.
To everyone who has supported Eagle Mountain VFD through the years — Thank You! Your trust and encouragement have meant everything to the department.
While the name on the door may change, the ESD mission will remain the same: serving this community with integrity, courage, and commitment.
With sincere appreciation,
Mike Barton, Fire Chief
Eagle Mountain Volunteer Fire Department
