Fire / EMS Department

About the Department

The Vernon Fire / EMS Department has proudly been serving the citizens of Vernon and Wilbarger County since 1889. The current population of Wilbarger County is 14,550, with 11,660 residing in Vernon, and has 971 square miles. The Department responds to approximately 2,100 calls for service each year, with EMS accounting for 1,700 and fire for 400.

The Department has evolved from an all volunteer to a combination of career and reserve (volunteer) with dedicated personnel and state-of-the-art apparatus.

The Fire / EMS Department is a combination of 30 personnel with 18 career and 12 reserve (volunteer) firefighter / EMTs. 18 of the career personnel are assigned to one of three 24-hour shifts. The Fire Chief, is assigned to the Administrative division.

ISO Rating

Vernon has an ISO rating of Class 2. ISO ratings are from 1 (best) to 10 (worst) and are based on communications, Fire Department, and water systems.

Only 136 of the 3500 Texas Cities, and 1.6% of cities nationwide rated have an ISO rating of Class 2. ISO ratings are used by various insurance companies to determine fire insurance premiums. The Vernon Fire Department is constantly working to improve our ISO rating.

Mission Statement

The mission statement of Vernon Fire Department / EMS is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the City of Vernon and Wilbarger County from the adverse effects of either man-made or natural emergencies. We will respond to these emergencies in a professional and courteous manner.

Motto

Serving with PRIDE:

• Professionalism
• Respect
• Integrity
• Dedication
• Excellence