The City of Fort Worth voted to appoint James Horton as the interim fire chief, according to a press release.
Horton is moving up from the assistant fire chief position and is a 28-year veteran of the department. He also served as deputy chief from 2023 through September of 2025. Chief Raymond Hill will be retiring Sept. 1, and Horton will be filling the position as the city announces a nationwide search for a permanent chief.
Horton’s career has spanned programs such as fire operations, administration, fire prevention, investigation, strategic planning, and emergency medical services. The new interim chief also has a PhD in urban and public administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in emergency management and disaster planning, both from the University of North Texas.
“Chief Horton is a trusted leader who brings a depth of knowledge and decades of valued experience to this interim role,” said Assistant City Manager William Johnson. “His extensive background will provide strong leadership for the department during this transition.”
According to the press release, Horton has overseen the integration of MedStar ambulance services into the fire department and helped secure a $34.4 million bond in 2026 to construct a new fire station in an area of high growth, while also replacing an existing station. He is also credited with serving on a staffing committee that opened 70 new sworn firefighter and six new civilian positions.