Euless Fire Chief Retires
Fire Chief Lee Koontz retired in March after 26 years with the city. During his tenure Chief Koontz emphasized the need for education and safety in the fire service.
Chief Koontz has served as Fire Chief for 20 years and has dedicated a total of 26 years to Euless. He is one of the longest tenured Fire Chiefs in Tarrant County.
Under his leadership, Koontz oversaw many aspects of Firefighting including Search & Rescue, Inspections, Investigations, Suppression and Rescue, Hazardous Materials Response, Vehicle Rescue (extrication) and Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Service on both first response vehicles and Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU). This is in addition to promoting public education of fire safety at every opportunity.
Koontz was personally responsible for leading his department through the transition to EMS response in 1988 and provided cross training for all personnel to provide both Fire and EMS response. He now ensures that the latest training is provided to his staff on a weekly basis.
In addition, the Euless Citizen's Fire Academy began under Chief Koontz's guidance, as well as the Alumni Association that supports the Fire Department in many capacities. The ECFAAA members play a vital role in helping to build better citizen involvement and participation as well as public education in Euless.
With his announcement, City Manager Gary McKamie stated, "Lee has been the Fire Chief for an amazing 20 years. He built the Euless Fire Department into what I believe to be the best Fire Department anywhere. He started the Paramedic service in the late 1980's and directed our recent ISO rating which we think will result in a significant rating upgrade. His commitment and dedication is greatly appreciated and his impact on emergency services has been extremely valuable."
Most currently, Koontz has led the charge of reclassifying Euless' Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating. This was accomplished through his firm understanding of the evaluation process and his work to assure that fire infrastructure was in place to support fire protection in the community. Currently rated at a three, the ISO visited Euless in December and we have high expectations of receiving a higher rating in the summer. This may lower insurance costs for residents on the fire portion of their insurance premium.
