Fire chief: Name change reflects new mentality

Though not as dramatic as Robert Zimmerman or Cassius Clay, the Odessa Fire Department has opted to change its name.

“Odessa Fire/Rescue” more accurately reflects the broader range of services provided by what was once known as the Odessa Fire Department, Fire Chief Roger Boyd said.

“Just like when the term ‘fireman’ changed to ‘firefighter’—we have three female firefighters on our crews—the term ‘Fire Department’ also became outdated,” Boyd said.

“A ‘fire department' seems so one-dimensional. What we’re doing by changing the name is reemphasizing to the community that we’re also responsible for EMS (Emergency Medical Systems). We’re not just firefighters, but are paramedics, too,” he said.

Around a year ago, the department introduced a new response system, Boyd said.

“We have eight stations, five of which are called ‘rescue stations,’ meaning they have a fire engine and an ambulance. The other three are called ‘squad stations’ and only have EMS,” he said. “The new system has significantly reduced fuel costs and allows us to operate more efficiently.”

Odessa Fire/Rescue is now in the process of replacing 80 decals, two from each of its 40 units.

The name change reinforces some of Odessa Fire/Rescue’s other new practices, most recently a day-long engine swap with the Midland Fire Department on Thursday.

“Both sides, I promise you, walked away excited about things they saw. There were nuances in operations from how we load the truck, to how we carry equipment, gather to the dinner table and train,” Midland Fire Department Chief Robert Isbell.

Units from each town have always helped each other out, but only previously on an emergency basis.

“This was something so simple and so effective. It could get overlooked and seen as not big deal, but this is a huge win. We need to copy the nuances we saw effective. That stuff is invaluable,” Isbell said.

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