To the Editor,
I appreciate the Garland Gazette’s interest in the important work of our new Fire & EMS Stakeholder Committee. However, the recent article titled “Discussions Swirl as the City of Garland Considers Privatizing Emergency Medical Services” presents an inaccurate and incomplete picture of the committee’s purpose and scope. This committee was not formed to pursue privatization, but to explore all possible models of Fire and EMS service delivery—including our current approach.
As the Chair of this committee and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, I want to make clear that our top priorities are:
* Improving the quality of emergency care for Garland residents,
* Addressing burnout and retention challenges among EMS professionals,
* And ensuring long-term financial and operational sustainability of these life-saving services.
This is a nine-month process, with monthly public meetings and posted agendas. Our goal is to have a thoughtful, transparent conversation about what will best serve our city—now and in the future.
The committee is composed of a wide range of stakeholders, including:
* The City Manager
* Chief Financial Officer
* Director of Budget & Financial Strategy
* Fire Chief
* Union President of IAFF Local 1293
* A rank-and-file firefighter/EMT
* Three members of the Garland City Council
* Four community leaders, including former Mayor Scott LeMay
* A nationally recognized EMS consultant
Their diverse perspectives help ensure that all voices are heard as we evaluate evolving best practices—from schedule reform (such as 12/36 or 24/72), to potential separation of fire and EMS structures, to public-private models as one of many ideas—not a predetermined outcome.
Let me be clear: no decisions have been made, and no proposals are on the table. This is a process of review and recommendation—not implementation.
I encourage residents to stay informed and engaged. Feel free to come to our monthly meeting. We welcome public input, and we are committed to a future where Garland’s emergency services remain effective, equitable, and resilient for decades to come.
Sincerely,
Chris Ott Deputy Mayor Pro Tem
Chair, Public Safety Committee
Chair, Fire & EMS Stakeholder Committee
Garland City Council, District 8
