Jim Davis

James (Jim) Davis, named the new Fort Worth chief 2018.

Davis was formerly named assistant fire chief in Columbus, a city with a population only slightly larger than Fort Worth. Since 2013, Davis had been deputy chief for special operations and emergency medical services in Columbus.

He was responsible for all areas of training and education for the 1,550 firefighters and paramedics in the Columbus Division of Fire. He is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of emergency department, intensive care and mobile intensive care unit experience, including 20 years as a flight RN/EMT with Medflight of Ohio.

Davis holds a master’s degree in operational excellence and process improvement from Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business and a doctorate in adult learning theory from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education Chief Learning Officer program.

He has said the FWFD will approach every encounter with two main principles: Affording every member of the organization the best opportunity to go home safe at the end of their shift, and seeking additional opportunities to engage and be involved with the community by always asking, “why not?”

Davis’ appointment follows an extensive search that included several opportunities for public engagement. Davis replaces Rudy Jackson, who retired after more than 10 years in the position.

He was sworn in Oct. 16, 2018.