Interim Fire Chief James Horton
Email: james.horton@fortworthtexas.gov
Interim Fire Chief James Horton brings 28 years of dedicated service to the Fort Worth Fire Department and a distinguished career in fire operations, administration, emergency medical services, special operations, fire prevention, investigation, training, hazardous materials, and technical rescue. Currently serving as Assistant Fire Chief, Horton leads the department’s Education and Support Services section, overseeing more than 100 personnel and significant operating and capital budgets. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in major departmental initiatives, including the integration of MedStar into the Fort Worth Fire Department, the addition of more than 600 employees, securing $34.4 million in bond funding for fire station construction and replacement, and expanding department staffing. He has also served for more than two decades with Texas A&M Task Force 1, responding to numerous state and federal disasters, including the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, and the 2025 Kerrville floods.
Chief Horton holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Public Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington, along with a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Administration and Disaster Planning. He is a Texas Fire Chiefs Association Certified Fire Executive and Texas A&M Mays Business School Fire Service Chief Executive Officer, and has served as an instructor with the National Fire Academy and numerous higher education institutions. His extensive operational experience, academic background, and commitment to the continued advancement of the fire service make him well prepared to serve as Interim Fire Chief of the Fort Worth Fire Department.
Acting Assistant Chief Ryan Zelazny
Email: ryan.zelazny@fortworthtexas.gov
Acting Assistant Chief Zelazny began his fire service career in 2001 and served with two smaller departments before joining the Fort Worth Fire Department in January 2006. He advanced through the ranks of Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain. He was appointed Deputy Chief in March 2021 and obtained the rank of Battalion Chief through the June 2021 BC testing process. His Deputy Chief assignments include Logistics and Support Services, Shift Commander, and Operations Admin Deputy Chief. As Acting Assistant Chief of Operations he is responsible for managing Fire Operations, EMS Operations, and Special Operations, which include Technical Rescue Team (TRT), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT), Wildland Firefighting, Dive and Swift Water Rescue, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). He also oversees department personnel assigned to Texas Task Force 1, Texas Task Force 2, the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), and the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF). He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Tarleton State University.