Local Fire Department Sees Changes with Hopes for More

The DeKalb Fire Department was established in 1926, shortly after the city of DeKalb, Texas. The Fire Department in DeKalb is now being led by Robbie Barrett, fire chief, and Ranson Pipes, assistant chief. They cover three school districts and have the largest coverage area of any department in Bowie County. In that coverage area are two major highways, Hwy. 82 and Hwy. 259.

Robbie Barrett told some history of the Fire Department. He says, “In 2018 we got on the ballot, trying to become an EDS (Emergency Service District). After going to the election with the EDS, DeKalb became an Emergency Service District.”