Lubbock Fire Rescue released its annual report, highlighting wins for the department while also informing the public on how it operated the last year.
One major highlight from the report was that for every dollar allotted to the department, citizens saw a 439% return on their investment.
Having been given a $73,587,516 budget for 2024-2025, the department was able to save $322,775,200 worth of property.
Here are five other highlights you need to know from the report.
Lubbock firefighters respond to more EMS calls than actual fire calls
According to the report, LFR responded to 27,435 calls in 2025. 71% of those calls were EMS-related, with 29% being fire-related.
Firefighters also responded to the following calls:
Addition of new first station in South Lubbock
In May 2025, LFR brought Fire Station 20 online to serve a portion of the South Lubbock Community.
“The new station was strategically placed to improve response times, enhance coverage, and support the increasing service demands in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas,” reads the report.
The station — dedicated as the Eric Hill Memorial Station to honor Lieutenant Eric Hill, who was killed in the line of duty on January 11, 2020 — is home to Engine 20 and the wildland crew as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.
LFR collaborates with city, LPD to mitigate risks from abandoned/vacant structures
According to the report, LFR’s Fire Marshal’s Office initiated a collaborative effort with the city’s Codes Department, Purdue Brandon Attorneys, LPD and LCAD to help thwart criminal activity, including fires being set in abandoned and/or vacant structures.
Through this initiative:
LFR modernizes the fire station paging system for efficiency
According to the report, LFR transitioned to the Phoenix G2 dispatch system.
“Fire stations are now alerted almost instantly once a call’s nature and location are confirmed, ensuring crews can begin responding faster than ever,” reads the report.
This transition brings visual alert lighting and scrolling message boards technology to the department to help transmit critical information quickly and efficiently.
LFR sees record-breaking recruitment
According to LFR, the 2025 recruitment season brought in 1,228 applications — the second time the department has broken its application record.
“Their training marks the start of a new generation of firefighters preparing to serve the citizens of Lubbock with pride and professionalism,” read the report.
To read the full report, visit ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/fire-rescue/home.
Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and USA TODAY Network in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock Fire Rescue releases report highlighting major successes from 2025
Reporting by Mateo Rosiles, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
