Proposed Closure of Engine 1

The Grapevine Firefighters Association is informing the public about a proposal by Fire Chief Darrell Brown to permanently close Engine 1 in order to redistribute personnel.

If implemented, this plan would eliminate the city’s only double-company firehouse. Engine 1 would be permanently shut down and it would be replaced with a two-person squad, while other personnel are reassigned to place a fourth medic in service.

This change would reduce overall emergency response capabilities across Grapevine. The impact would extend beyond residential neighborhoods to high-occupancy and high-risk locations such as Great Wolf Lodge, the Gaylord Texan, Hotel Vin, the Historic Main Street District, Grapevine Mills Mall, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine, local schools, skilled nursing facilities, Grapevine Lake, and numerous other hotels, event venues, and commercial properties throughout the city.

Replacing a fully staffed fire engine with a two-person squad reduces the city’s capacity to respond effectively to structure fires, vehicle accidents, technical rescues, and other critical emergencies throughout the community.

This proposal impacts response times, resource availability, firefighter safety, and community safety.

It is important to note that Chief Brown has formally requested personnel increases for several consecutive years in an effort to keep pace with the city’s growth and service demands. Those staffing requests were not approved at City Hall, leaving limited options within the current staffing model and ultimately leading to this proposed restructuring plan.

A citizen survey regarding this proposal will be distributed to 10,000 residents via email and text message. Once compiled, the survey results will be delivered to the Grapevine City Council for their awareness and consideration.

If no action is taken by City Council, the permanent closure of Engine 1 will occur this summer.

We encourage residents, business owners, and visitors to stay informed and participate.