Odessa Fire Rescue

ISO Class ranking Fire rescueCity of Odessa Fire Rescue, Emergency Response, Prevention, Community SupportAdministration

The City of Odessa Fire Rescue Administration provides critical support, management, and training activities for OFR and its Divisions. These include:

  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Fire Marshal's Division/Inspection
  • Fire Suppression

OFR and its Administration are committed to providing the City of Odessa with the very best in fire prevention, fire education, suppression, training and emergency response.

Citizens Fire Academy

Will run Sept – Nov in 2024.

Come and experience a great time while you learn about the daily operations of Odessa Fire Rescue. Classes are Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (may occasionally run over if the topic has more hands-on volunteers) Everyone will have the opportunity for a hands-on experience and will get to go on ride-outs with OFR personnel on actual emergency calls.

Applications will begin in July of 2024 with a maximum class capacity of 20 participants.

 

Must be 18 years or older and pass a background check through the Fire Marshal’s Office.

More information will be added and released as it gets closer.

Opportunities & Participation

Due to the broad range of services Odessa Fire Rescue (OFR) provides to the community, the CFA will consist of a wide variety of opportunities for participation. Some of these opportunities may be physically and emotionally demanding. Each participant will have the opportunity to have some hands-on experience, as well as acquire an overall general knowledge of the fire service and its function in our community.

Participation in exercises is optional. Some of the hands-on experience may include wearing firefighter protective gear. Some participants will be invited to wear a fully encapsulated Level "A" suit, used in hazardous materials incidents. The participants will also use portable fire extinguishers. Each applicant should know their limitations, and communicate those limitations promptly and clearly.

The participants will be permitted to ride along on a fire engine at various fire stations, giving them a fuller perspective of the life of a Firefighter both in the station and on emergency runs.

Understanding OFR Services

All participants will receive a general overview of OFR services to the community. They will learn how OFR responds to both emergency medical services (EMS) and fire emergencies. They will learn the purpose of technical rescue and hazardous materials response. They will also receive an overview of how 911 systems operate and how the Fire Marshal's Office functions in fire prevention, investigation, and public education.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in activities that include training in the smoke house. This facility allows firefighters to practice various techniques in a smoked filled structure.

Emergency Management

The Assistant Chief of Administration, Ben Marts, serves as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Odessa, Goldsmith and Ector County.

The Emergency Management Coordinator for all of Ector County, including the City of Odessa and Goldsmith is Wes Carta.

Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Office of Emergency Management is active in numerous disaster preparedness groups and committees including the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Odessa Fire Rescue collects the Tier II Chemical Inventory Reports for the local LEPC.

You may submit a Tier II report electronically by emailing the Emergency Management Coordinator.

Disaster Exercises

Odessa Fire Rescue regularly conducts disaster exercises with its community partners. If your organization would like to schedule an exercise you may contact the Emergency Management Coordinator.

Coverage

Odessa Fire Rescue has been the emergency medical service provider for the City of Odessa and Ector County since 1973. EMS services are provided under the direction of our Medical Directors Dr. Gregory Shipkey and Dr. Sudip Bose, who are world class emergency room physicians. All members of Odessa Fire Rescue are required to be Texas Department of State Health Services certified Paramedics. We currently operate nine front line Mobile Intensive Care Unit ambulances and nine paramedic staffed fire engines. Odessa Fire Rescue also runs a rapid response unit (squad) staffed with two providers to provide timely response to medical emergencies. Our coverage area is approximately 904 square miles and we serve a population of 200,000. Odessa Fire Rescue responds to approximately 20,000 Emergency incidents per year.

An engine will run with an ambulance on the majority of calls in the Department's coverage area. There are a number of reasons for this. Often an ambulance is out of its station when the call comes in, usually either on or returning from another call. The engine can get there quicker and begin treatment before the arrival of the ambulance. This is the reason for staffing a paramedic on all engines. Other reasons include assistance with patient handling, hauling equipment, and scene control. Having more than two people to assist with moving patients helps to reduce back injuries and help keep the city's worker's compensation costs down.

EMS Training Division

The EMS Training Division is dedicated to keeping the clinical proficiency of Odessa Fire Rescue personnel at the highest level. The Training Division uses a hybrid model of online and classroom training to maintain certification necessities, to provide the most up to date information regarding patient care, and to provide information on issues affecting the EMS community.

Accomplishments

Odessa Fire Rescue achieved the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline Gold Plus Award in 2019 and has received it annually ever since. This Cardiac care accreditation is the highest-level award that an EMS agency can receive. 

OFR was voted EMS Provider of the Year in 1998 and 1999 for the Texas "J" Region, which extends south from Andrews to Terlingua, and west from Coahoma to Pecos. 

In 1970, the City of Odessa was the first city in the state to provide the 911 emergency dialing system. 

In 1972, the City of Odessa was first in the state to provide the Jaws of Life. Odessa was also the first city in the state to have state certified ambulances.

Odessa Fire Rescue was one of the first providers in the state to adopt a therapeutic hypothermic protocol. The Department has worked closely with area hospitals to create successful STEMI and Stroke programs. The STEMI program has earned Gold recognition status from the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline organization has awarded Odessa Fire Rescue the Gold award in 2018 and the Gold Plus award in 2109 and 2020 for the best possible Cardiac (STEMI)/heart attack EMS patient care and outcomes.

Dr. Bose is one of America’s most experienced doctors on mass casualty, disaster care, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). From his experience in the ER and on the battlefield during some of the nation’s most critical moments, he is skilled in navigating crises with control, vision, and preparation. Today he serves as Medical Director for Odessa, helping our city expertly respond to crisis events, expand access to healthcare, and keep our community healthy. For more information on Dr. Sudip Bose, visit DocBose.com.

Odessa Fire Rescue is taking applications for the 2024 EMS Lifeline service. 

Click here for the ONLINE APPLICATION

EMS Line 2

EMS Line


Fire Marshal's Office

Fire Marshal

The Fire Marshal develops, implements, directs and supervises a comprehensive fire prevention, fire investigation and public education programs. The members of the Fire Marshal's Division are dedicated to the protection of our community through critical key mission areas that include:

  • Fire inspections
  • Fire investigations
  • Public education

We will provide superior and professional customer service to our citizens. We will develop "best practices" models of performance to provide a secure work environment for the citizens of Odessa and its visitors.

Prevention & Inspection

All members of the Fire Marshal's Office are certified by the State of Texas as Fire Inspectors, Fire Investigators and Peace Officers. Staff is well trained in fire education and conducts several fire prevention programs throughout the year. A well-planned and executed fire prevention and inspection program is a less expensive and more effective way to accomplish the goal of the fire service (to minimize the risk of life and property loss from fire).

Assistant Fire Marshal

The Assistant Fire Marshal supervises daily inspection activities of Inspectors and is responsible for plans review and installation of new alarm and sprinkler systems.

The Assistant Fire Marshal also:

  • Coordinates fire investigation activities
  • Maintains investigation records
  • Monitors and/or prepares court cases
  • Generates reports on fire activities and dollar loss
  • Performs inspections on commercial properties
  • Is responsible for promoting, scheduling and documenting education programs and outreach services in the City of Odessa

Plan Review & Construction Inspection Process

For detailed information on the Plan Review and Construction Inspection process or to schedule an inspection, please call 432-257-0502.

Fire Inspectors / Fire Investigators

Inspectors are responsible for:

  • Preventing fires through periodic inspection of commercial or public buildings, licensed facilities/operations and other buildings in the City of Odessa
  • Certificate of occupancy inspections for new businesses
  • Inspection of fire suppression and notification systems including alarms, sprinklers and cooking hoods

Inspectors also play a key role in crowd management and path of egress maintenance at places of assembly.

All Fire Inspectors are Certified Commission Peace Officer and Certified Arson Investigators who maintain appropriate records and documentation regarding inspections and investigations, and conduct public education programs throughout the year. Fire Marshal's Office staff maintains the required training to ensure "best practice" performance.

Your Guide to Becoming an Odessa Fire Inspector/ Odessa Fire Investigator

Work side-by-side with current OFR Inspectors to complete your commission approved training (on-site) Attend TCFP Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner and Fire and Arson Investigator classes online - TCFP Curriculum Test your Fire Investigation knowledge - TCFP Testing Guidelines If not already TCOLE certified, you will attend the first available OPD Police Academy, granted you meet the background Minimum Standards

57131_OFD_Dominguez

Eugene Dominguez

Fire Inspector / Fire Investigator
57122_OFD_Sanchez

Nathan Sanchez 

Fire Inspector / Fire Investigator
57141_OFD_Rivas

Lorenzo Rivas

Fire Inspector / Fire Investigator
Andres Menchaca

Andres Menchaca

Fire Inspector

Inspections

Attention: Several services that were no cost in the past will now have new fees associated with them. See the new IFC Fee Schedule.

The Odessa Fire Marshal's Office currently utilizes the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code with adopted Appendices. The only amendment to the code requires the management of multifamily dwellings to inspect and test smoke detectors in each unit twice per year. They are also required to maintain records of installation, inspection, and testing.

The Fire Marshal's office conducts approximately 3,000 inspections, consisting of routine/annual inspections, construction projects, fire protection systems and other miscellaneous inspections throughout the year. Call 432-257-0524 with questions regarding fire inspections or fire inspection requests.

Commercial Inspections

All members of the Fire Marshal's Office are certified in the State of Texas as Fire Inspectors. We perform a variety of commercial inspections including:

  • Day cares
  • Detention facilities
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Fire sprinkler system
  • Foster homes
  • Kitchen suppression systems
  • Medical facilities
  • New businesses for Certificate of Occupancy
  • Remodel or commercial properties
  • Routine inspections
  • Schools
  • Various other inspections or reviews

Permit Applications 

The Odessa Fire Marshal's office reviews permit applications and plans, other than single family dwellings or duplexes, but the City of Odessa Building Official's office is responsible for all permit applications. The Building Official's Office is located at City Hall, 411 W 8th and can be reached by calling 432-335-3215.



Fire Suppression

Odessa is located in Ector County in sunny West Texas, just east of the southeastern corner of New Mexico, at an elevation of 2900 feet and has a City population of 112,493 and a total county population of 161,091. Ector County covers 904 square miles with 36.8 square miles being incorporated city.

Fire Suppression Personnel

The Odessa Fire Rescue (OFR) has 216 full time suppression personnel. There are 6 Battalion Chiefs, 6 Division Captains, 27 Station Captains, 27 Engineers, and 150 Firefighters that are full time paid and work a three-platoon system. The total number of firefighters currently employed consists of licensed paramedics, certified paramedics, and certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs).  Between the 9 fire stations, OFR responds to over 21,000 runs per year.

Equipment

The Odessa Fire Rescue is equipped with 9 engines, 3 of which are 105 foot aerials. All 9 engines are staffed with 4 personnel. Paramedics are required for each crew. All engines and aerials are Advance Life Support (ALS) equipped and are first responders on emergency medical services (EMS) calls. OFR runs 9 full time ambulances, staffed with a minimum of 2 EMS personnel.

For the purpose of wildland firefighting the OFR maintains 3 tenders each carrying between 2500 to 3000 gallons of water and a foam system. 2 reserve engines and 3 reserve ambulances are available if needed.

Hazardous Materials Response Unit

OFR houses a specially equipped Hazardous Materials Response Unit and a trained response team. There are currently members of OFR certified at the Hazmat Specialist, Technician, and Operations level. In addition, we also have high angle, confined space, and water rescue teams with an equipped response unit.

Goals for the Suppression Division

  • Maintain operational readiness through training on various disciplines in both fire and EMS.
  • Communicate, educate and remain active in the "16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives," to reduce injuries and/or fatalities in the Department
  • Maintain readiness on mutual aid development for the Incident Management Team
  • Maintain collaboration and coordination with other city departments and organizations around the community, and continue the alliance with Ector County volunteer fire departments and Midland Fire Department
  • Implement/update Policies and Procedures to meet the "best practices" approach in operations
  • Seek new ways to improve the service delivery in the community through operational readiness

Kids Corner

"Kids Are the Key"

Looking for something to do online? Well come on in and check out some fun coloring pages. You can color them any way you want and then print them out. You can also print them out and then color them with crayons. There are 3 designs to choose from and they are brought to you by Sparky, the fire dog!

Coloring & Activities

Be sure to also check out these cool websites:
FireSafety.gov for Kids
Sparky the Fire Dog


Public Education & Safety Programs

Odessa Fire Rescue (OFR) is dedicated to protecting the community through public education. OFR provides several programs for preschool-aged children through senior citizens. Some of these programs include:

  • Fire Prevention Week: Fire Prevention Week is the first week of October, and fire personnel present programs to kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders in public and private school, in addition to several early education centers
  • Fire Station Tours: the public is welcome to tour any of our 9 fire stations
  • Fire Safety House: fire personnel utilize the Fire Safety House to educate 3rd grade students about home fire safety and emergency escape plans; the Fire Safety House is scheduled for public and private schools
  • Demonstration House: this exciting education tool is a 3 foot by 3 foot model home used to demonstrate home hazards and emergency plans; the house is equipped with smoke to demonstrate hazards and appropriate safety steps

Safety Demonstration Programs

Safety Demonstration programs include:

  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstrations
  • Emergency Management
  • Evacuation Drills and Preparation
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fire Safety

Scheduling

To schedule programs or tours, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office by calling 432-257-0526.

Smoke Detector Program

Working smoke detectors save lives! Odessa Fire Rescue has a smoke detector program to assist homeowners of Odessa and Ector County who do not have a working smoke detector. A member of the OFR will install a working smoke detector, at no charge to the owner. Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 432-257-0526 for additional information.

Notes

  • Maintain working smoke detectors by changing the battery twice a year and keeping the detectors clear of dust.
  • Note: the State of Texas requires the owner or agent of rental property to install a working smoke detector.

Public Safety Communications

OverviewLetitia

The Odessa Public Safety Communications Center is a Consolidated (Police/Fire/EMS) Communications Center. It employs up to 28 telecommunicators (dispatchers), who are responsible for answering all the incoming 911 calls, and dispatching police, fire, medical, and animal control. 

The telecommunicator is critical to the day-to-day operation of Police and Fire Rescue departments. Through extensive and continual training, telecommunicators utilize their expertise and proficiency to provide the best service possible. 

History

Odessa was the first city in Texas to install the 911 system (April 1970). In September of 1995, the communications center moved to its current location, which houses state of the art equipment, including computers and software, that allow its employees to give the citizens of Odessa and Ector County the best possible service.

Mission Statement 

Odessa Public Safety Communications receives, processes, and dispatches calls for service for police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS), with the right equipment, to the right place, and at the right time. We are committed to answering all calls with professionalism, integrity, compassion, and courtesy, as well as, dispatching those calls in the same manner. 

Darla

Stations

Central Fire Station and Administration on W 2nd StreetCentral Fire Station and Administration

1100 W 2nd Street
Odessa, TX  79763

Fire Station 2 on E Murphy

Fire Station 2

1801 E Murphy
Odessa, TX  79761

Fire Station 3 on E University

Fire Station 3

5151 E University
Odessa, TX  79762

Fire Station 4 on N GolderFire Station 4

2616 N Golder
Odessa, TX  79764

Fire Station 5 on Eastridge Road

Fire Station 5

7155 Eastridge Road
Odessa, TX  79765

Fire Station 6

Fire Station 6

2110 Penbrook St
Odessa, TX  79762

Fire Station 7 on W 16th StreetFire Station 7

2425 W 16th Street
Odessa, TX  79763

Fire Station 8 on E Yukon

Fire Station 8

301 E Yukon Road
Odessa, TX  79762

Fire Station 9

Fire Station 9

1900 87th St
Odessa, TX  79765

Training Programs

The Training Division is comprised of a Training Chief and 3 on-shift Division Captains. The Training Division provides monthly fire and emergency medical services (EMS) training for Department personnel. The Training Division also provides additional outside training opportunities for specific needs within the Department.

Odessa Fire Rescue Drill TowerFacilities

The Odessa Fire Rescue training facility is located at 3001 S Dixie. It includes a classroom, drill tower, and a Fire Facilities Fire Training Building. It also has the required facilities for simulated extrication and confined space rescue.

Areas of Responsibility

  • Continuing Education (CE): training and tracking of CE is provided for all members of the Department
  • Testing: the Training Division oversees and provides all testing for promotion and new hires
  • ISO: the Training Division oversees the collection and documentation of fire and technical rescue training hours to meet ISO recommendations

Contact Us

If you would like more information on fire or EMS CE classes offered by Odessa Fire Rescue you may email Training Chief Menchaca.

Firefighters training on an elevated portion of the drill tower