About the EPFD
The El Paso Fire Department was established on December 18, 1882, originally as a volunteer brigade in response to a significant fire that occurred the previous year. In 1909, the department transitioned into a fully paid, professional organization. Today, it stands as the fifth largest fire department in Texas, serving a population of over 680,000 residents across an area of 260 square miles. The department responds to over 100,000 calls for service each year.
As an all-hazards department, the El Paso Fire Department is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies. Its responsibilities include responding to fire incidents, providing medical treatment and transport, managing hazardous materials, conducting water and mountain rescues, addressing wildland emergencies, and performing technical rescues. Additionally, the department oversees the city’s 911 communications center and the office of emergency management, ensuring coordinated responses to various emergencies.
Recognized as a leading public safety agency in both Texas and the United States, the El Paso Fire Department has earned an ISO Class 1 rating and international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). The department has been honored as one of the Top 100 fleets for five consecutive years. It holds the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) certification through the Office of Emergency Management, the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) accreditation in the fire discipline via the 911 communications center, and the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) accreditation through its Professional Development program.
Fire Chief Jonathan Killings
Jonathan Killings was appointed Fire Chief of the El Paso Fire Department in December 2022. He has served the El Paso community since joining the department in August 1998 and has been a Chief Officer since his promotion to Battalion Chief in 2016.
Throughout his career, Chief Killings has held key leadership roles in Emergency Operations, Professional Development, the City and County Office of Emergency Management, and 911 Communications. His experience spans frontline operations, organizational development, and complex emergency response systems.
Chief Killings holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Public Administration from Sam Houston State University. He has been a Licensed EMT Paramedic since 2009. His operational background includes service on the ComSAR mountain rescue team, Urban Search and Rescue, Hazardous Materials response, and as a Fire Training Captain.
In August 2020, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Communications, Training, and Outreach, where he helped advance modernization efforts, strengthen training programs, and enhance community engagement. As Fire Chief, he leads an all hazards organization responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical services, 911 communications, and emergency management for the City of El Paso.
Chief Killings approaches leadership through a servant leadership model grounded in accountability, humility, and continuous improvement. He believes the responsibility of leadership is to create an environment where people are prepared, supported, and expected to perform at a high level when it matters most. His philosophy emphasizes that the standard must remain high because every response carries the responsibility of protecting what matters most to the community.
He is committed to developing future leaders, investing in training and technology, and ensuring the department evolves to meet the growing and changing needs of the community. His focus remains on building a resilient organization that delivers exceptional service while taking care of the people who make that service possible.
Contact
Fire Chief's Office
(915) 212-5665
