What’s Inside: Tully’s Tavern Cruz’s Corner The Pruitt Post Cota’s Column Batten’s Bulletin Collier’s Chronicle Guzman’s Gazette Birthdays Events & Announcements MFDMFDMFD NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter MFD Newsletter Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterrd July 2026 Updated photos show the progress being made on the department’s newest custom-built apparatus
Tully’s TavernTully’s TavernTully’s TavernTully’s Tavern Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026All, Over the past several months, our department has been tested in ways that remind us why the fire service is more than a profession—it is a calling. While the challenges have been significant, they have also highlighted the extraordinary character, professionalism, and resilience of the men and women of the Midland Fire Department. On June 12, our community faced an active shooter incident that demanded courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment. You all responded with professionalism under incredibly difficult circumstances, you worked seamlessly alongside our law enforcement partners, placing the needs of our citizens above your own while maintaining the highest standards of service. Your actions reflected the training, preparation, and dedication that define this department every day. Then a few days later, tragedy struck even closer to home with the Line of Duty Death suffered by our neighbors at the Odessa Fire Department. During one of the most difficult times a fire department can experience, once again you demonstrated what the fire service brotherhood and sisterhood truly mean. Whether assisting with operational needs, supporting memorial events, or simply standing shoulder to shoulder with our Odessa family, you represented this department with compassion, dignity, and honor. It was a reminder that while department names may differ, our commitment to one another never does. Difficult times often reveal the true character of an organization. Over the past few months, you have shown exactly who the Midland Fire Department is, a team committed to excellence, service, and taking care of one another. Remember, “We Get To Be Here.” Chief
Q2 2026 Run DataQ2 2026 Run DataQ2 2026 Run DataQ2 2026 Run Data Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026
Cruz’s CornerCruz’s CornerCruz’s CornerCruz’s Corner Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026 As I reflect on my first 12 months in this position, I can't help but say how much I miss my four days off ! But in all seriousness, this past year has gone by incredibly f ast. We have accomplished a great deal, learned a tremendous amount, and I can assure you that we will continue learning and improving every day. One of the accomplishments we are proud of is our commitment to accountability. Last year, many of you identified accountability as a priority in the department SWOT survey. We listened. Over the past year, we have worked hard to hold the line by first holding ourselves accountable as leaders and then holding every member of this department accountable to the Midland Fire Department standard. Accountability is not about punishment—it is about ensuring we all meet the expectations of this prof ession and continue providing the level of service our community deserves. Another milestone has been the creation of our Special Operations Division. W hile still developing, I am very appreciative of those who stepped forward to help build it from the ground up. Your efforts are laying the foundation for the f uture of this department. Our reputation across the state continues to grow thanks to the outstanding men and women representing Midland Fire Department on deployments. Your prof essionalism and work ethic continue to reflect well on this organization wherever you go. I also want to thank Chief Batten and every member of our ARFF Division for their outstanding performance during this year's inspection. T he exceptional f eedback we received reflected your prof essionalism, attention to detail, and year-round commitment to readiness—not just your preparation for the inspection. Your pride in your work continues to set a high standard, and I sincerely appreciate everything you do to represent this department. Our Training Division continues to produce strong firefighters for our organization. If everything continues as planned, we could add as many as 30 new personnel by the end of the year. We will also begin another hiring process in August and launch an MFD recruitment team to attend job f airs, with the first event being August 20 at Fort Bliss. If you are interested in participating, please contact Chief Douthit or me.
Cruz’s CornerCruz’s CornerCruz’s Corner ContinuedContinuedContinued Cruz’s Corner Continued Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026 Midland experienced another active shooter incident in June. From my perspective, it was encouraging to see how many people stepped up during those critical first f ew minutes when we still didn't know exactly what we were f acing. I want to recognize B- Shift Stations 1, 6, and 10 crews, EMS Captain Castillo for taking charge and coordinating EMS operations and patient transportation, Chief Collier for leading by example and driving an EMS unit to the hospital during those initial moments and then returning to help command, Acting Battalion Chief Woodward for remaining composed and managing the incident with prof essionalism, the FMO for responding quickly and providing our force protection, our tactical paramedics who also responded quickly and were able to support SWAT operations, and everyone who answered the recall message and responded to staff a unit or to help out in the EOC that was setup. It was a true team effort, and every one of you answered the call without hesitation. Job well done. I also want to personally thank every one of you who stepped up when our brothers and sisters in Odessa experienced the worst kind of day. W hether you volunteered to staff an apparatus in Odessa or stayed behind to backfill positions here at home, your willingness to serve meant more than words can express. Your actions demonstrated exactly what the fire service is all about—taking care of each other when it matters most. I know the Odessa Fire Department greatly appreciated your support, and I couldn't be prouder of every one of you. As I close, I want to leave you with something Chief Tully often says: "You get to be here." T his prof ession is a privilege, not an entitlement. Every shift is an opportunity to make a diff erence in someone's lif e, serve alongside an incredible team, and be part of something bigger than yourself. Never lose sight of that. T hank you for the work you do every day and for your continued commitment to this department, your teammates, and the citizens we serve. We will continue doing everything we can to support your success. Until the next newsletter, Be Smart.
The Pruitt PostThe Pruitt PostThe Pruitt PostThe Pruitt Post Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026 Since the last newsletter, so much has changed both inside and outside of the department. Before I go any f urther, I want to take a moment to recognize the work each and every one of you does every day to keep our community saf e. Unfortunately, over the past f ew months, it has been tragedy that has brought out the very best in our department. I want to personally thank everyone who responded so courageously during the recent shooting to help those in need. I also want to recognize everyone who stepped up to support Odessa Fire Rescue following the line-of-duty death of Lt. Isai Huerta. W hether you volunteered for soft watch, staff ed additional units, attended the services, helped with logistics, or simply asked, "W hat can I do to help?"—you represented Midland Fire Department with prof essionalism, compassion, and humility. T he Midland and Odessa communities have expressed their sincere appreciation for everything you've done. It has been an honor to receive so many calls, texts, and emails praising the members of this department. Our new EMS protocols are now in place, and I'm hearing that the transition has gone very well. I want to thank everyone for the effort you put into learning and implementing them. I know there was a tremendous amount of change in a short period of time, but together we made it happen. I'd also like to recognize the many people who worked behind the scenes to make this project a success. It was a tremendous undertaking, and they did an outstanding job. We're also still on track to take delivery of our new Lif ePak 35 monitors in the upcoming budget year. Be on the lookout for training opportunities on both the Lif ePak 35s and Pulsara in the near f uture.
The Pruitt PostThe Pruitt PostThe Pruitt Post ContinuedContinuedContinued The Pruitt Post Continued Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026 By the time you read this, our three newest ambulances will likely be in service, and EMS12 may have relocated to Station 5 as EMS5. EMS5 will remain an on-demand ambulance that is cross-manned by the Engine 5 crew, just as EMS12 operated from Central. In addition to the three new ambulances, we've already received in 2026, we anticipate taking delivery of two more before the end of the year. As we all know, one of the most dangerous things we do isn't fighting fires or treating patients—it's getting to the emergency and making it back home saf ely. I encourage each of you to take an honest look at your driving habits, continue learning about emergency vehicle operations, and hold one another accountable behind the wheel. We simply cannot continue to sustain the number of apparatus accidents we've experienced recently. Every collision puts our personnel, the public, and department resources at risk. No emergency call is worth sacrificing saf ety. Finally, congratulations to everyone who has completed paramedic school, passed the National Registry exam, and is now progressing through our FTEP program. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we're excited to have you serving alongside us. I'd also like to congratulate Dini Smith and Martin Nunez on their well-earned retirements. T hank you both for your many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Midland and to the Midland Fire Department. We wish you nothing but the best in this next chapter. T hank you all for what you do each day. It is an honor to serve alongside you.
Cota’s ColumnCota’s ColumnCota’s ColumnCota’s Column Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026 Tis the season for dehydration and soft tissue injuries. It's 2:00 p.m. You've had six hours of broken sleep over the last two days, tones drop, and someone grabs an energy drink on the way to the truck. Sound f amiliar? We've all looked for a quick boost during long shifts. T he problem is that emergency calls already flood your body with adrenaline. Adding a highly caff einated energy drink or pre-workout on top of that may not give you an advantage, it may simply push your body beyond recovery. Many energy drinks and pre-workout supplements contain large doses of caff eine along with other stimulants. T hink about what your body is already doing on a fire or critical medical call. Your heart rate climbs. Your blood pressure rises. Your breathing speeds up, and fine motor skills are depleted. You're wearing PPE, carrying equipment, climbing stairs, making critical decisions, and working in extreme heat. Caff eine isn't the enemy. Used in moderation, it can improve alertness. T he concern is timing and quantity. Slamming an energy drink or pre-workout just before, or during a response stacks artificial stimulation on top of your body's natural fight- or-flight response. Our prof ession asks a lot of our hearts and brains over a career. Your availability and health is crucial f ar beyond this prof ession. Your crew doesn't need the most stimulated version of you. They need the most prepared one.
The First 90 Seconds W hen an aircraft crashes, ARFF crews f ace large f uel loads, f ast-moving fire, complex aircraft systems, and potentially hundreds of occupants within seconds. Unlike a typical structure fire, the incident often begins in an open, exposed environment where wind, f uel spread, and aircraft configuration can change conditions rapidly. T heir mission is to create survivable conditions quickly enough for passengers and crew to escape. ARFF tactics diff er from structural firefighting because the first priority is often controlling exterior fire, protecting escape routes, and keeping heat and smoke away from occupied areas of the aircraft. Crews may attack from inside specialized apparatus using roof, bumper, or high-reach turrets to apply large amounts of agent rapidly while remaining mobile. Handlines may still be needed, but they are usually used to support rescue, reach hidden fire, or protect crews working close to the aircraft. Aircraft emergencies also demand constant awareness of hazards such as running engines, propellers, jet blast, aviation f uel, f uel reignition, composite materials, pressurized systems, oxygen cylinders, batteries, and unexploded components. T hese hazards can limit where apparatus are positioned, how crews approach the aircraft, and how close firefighters can saf ely operate during the first moments of the incident. ARFF is f undamentally a rescue mission, not simply a fire suppression assignment. T he specialized trucks, turrets, foam systems, and aircraft knowledge all serve one pur pose: to buy time for people who may have only seconds to escape. Every tactical decision is measured against that goal. Like every emergency response, the mission is to protect lif e first—only on the runway, seconds matter and the margin for error is extremely small. Batten’s BulletinBatten’s BulletinBatten’s BulletinBatten’s Bulletin Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026
QUARTERLY EMS UPDATE As we move through another busy quarter, I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank everyone for their hard work and dedication. First, thank you to all personnel who assisted with the implementation of our new protocol updates. Change can be challenging, but the prof essionalism, flexibility, and commitment demonstrated throughout the transition have been outstanding. Your efforts have helped ensure a smooth implementation while maintaining the high level of patient care our community expects. I would also like to thank all our crews for maintaining a positive attitude and strong teamwork during this period of change. T he willingness to adapt, support one another, and remain focused on patient care is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. Narcotic Transf er Audits As a reminder, narcotic audits are required whenever narcotics are transf erred during shift change. T hese audits are an important accountability measure that help ensure compliance with agency policy, maintain accurate inventory records, and protect both our patients and providers. Please ensure narcotic counts are completed thoroughly and documented appropriately during every transf er. Consistent compliance helps maintain the integrity of our medication management process and supports patient saf ety. Collier’s ChronicleCollier’s ChronicleCollier’s ChronicleCollier’s Chronicle Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterr d July 2026
Patient Report Quick Sheets Another important reminder involves patient care transf ers at the emergency department. T he Patient Report Quick Sheet should be left with the receiving ER nurse for every transported patient when care is transf erred. T his document serves as an important communication tool by providing receiving staff with essential patient information and supporting continuity of care. Consistent completion of this process helps improve patient outcomes and strengthens communication between EMS and hospital personnel. Upcoming EMS Case Reviews In the coming weeks, we will be conducting EMS case reviews. T hese reviews provide valuable opportunities to learn from real-world patient encounters, discuss clinical decision-making, identify areas for improvement, and recognize outstanding patient care. Participation and engagement is required, as these discussions help strengthen our clinical knowledge and enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients and community. Closing T hank you again for your continued dedication, prof essionalism, and commitment to excellence. Your hard work makes a diff erence every day, and we appreciate everything you do for our patients, our organization, and our community. Collier’s ChronicleCollier’s ChronicleCollier’s Chronicle ContinuedContinuedContinued Collier’s Chronicle Continued Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterrd July 2026
Hello everyone, hope everyone's summer is going well. Congratulations to everyone on making it through the Fourth of July holiday. T hanks to the prof essionalism and dedication of our personnel, we made it through one of the busiest times of the year without any major incidents. Our crews remained busy responding to calls, and our Fire Marshal's Office handled the Star- Spangled Salute downtown. T hank you to everyone who worked long hours over the holiday to keep Midland saf e. As we look ahead, preparations are already underway for Fire Prevention Week, which will be observed October 4–10, 2026. T his year's theme is "Charge into Fire Saf ety: Saf e Charging Is a Super power!" T he campaign focuses on the importance of charging lithium-ion battery-powered devices saf ely and educating the public on preventing fires caused by improper charging practices. T his year's message encourages everyone to: Use manuf acturer-approved chargers and batteries. Avoid overcharging devices or charging them under pillows, on beds, or other combustible surf aces. Stop using batteries or devices that become damaged, swollen, or excessively hot. Ensure smoke alarms are installed and working in every home. Our annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest will also return this October. As always, we encourage all personnel to help promote the contest within our schools and community. T he creativity shown by our local students each year is outstanding, and the poster contest continues to be one of our best opportunities to connect with young people and reinforce important fire saf ety messages. Additional information regarding contest rules, school participation, judging, and Fire Prevention Week events will be distributed as we get closer to October. We encourage everyone to get involved whenever possible. Public education is one of the most eff ective tools we have to reduce fires and save lives, and every interaction with the public helps strengthen our mission. Please join us in welcoming Isaiah Ramirez to the Fire Marshal's Office. Isaiah recently joined our team and will begin attending the Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy at the end of July. T he academy is an important step in preparing him for his role as a fire investigator. We wish him success throughout the academy and look forward to having him back as he continues his training and serves the citizens of Midland. Welcome to the team, Isaiah! T hank you again for everything you do each day. W hether you're responding to emergencies, conducting inspections, investigating fires, maintaining equipment, training, or supporting operations behind the scenes, your commitment makes a diff erence in our community's saf ety. Stay saf e, continue looking for one another, and thank you for your continued service to the City of Midland. Fire Marshal Rocky Guzman Hello everyone, hope everyone's summer is going well. Congratulations to everyone on making it through the Fourth of July holiday. T hanks to the prof essionalism and dedication of our personnel, we made it through one of the busiest times of the year without any major incidents. Our crews remained busy responding to calls, and our Fire Marshal's Office handled the Star- Spangled Salute downtown. T hank you to everyone who worked long hours over the holiday to keep Midland saf e. As we look ahead, preparations are already underway for Fire Prevention Week, which will be observed October 4–10, 2026. T his year's theme is "Charge into Fire Saf ety: Saf e Charging Is a Super power!" T he campaign focuses on the importance of charging lithium-ion battery-powered devices saf ely and educating the public on preventing fires caused by improper charging practices. T his year's message encourages everyone to: Use manuf acturer-approved chargers and batteries. Avoid overcharging devices or charging them under pillows, on beds, or other combustible surf aces. Stop using batteries or devices that become damaged, swollen, or excessively hot. Ensure smoke alarms are installed and working in every home. Our annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest will also return this October. As always, we encourage all personnel to help promote the contest within our schools and community. T he creativity shown by our local students each year is outstanding, and the poster contest continues to be one of our best opportunities to connect with young people and reinforce important fire saf ety messages. Additional information regarding contest rules, school participation, judging, and Fire Prevention Week events will be distributed as we get closer to October. We encourage everyone to get involved whenever possible. Public education is one of the most eff ective tools we have to reduce fires and save lives, and every interaction with the public helps strengthen our mission. Please join us in welcoming Isaiah Ramirez to the Fire Marshal's Office. Isaiah recently joined our team and will begin attending the Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy at the end o
DANIEL CASTILLO ROCKY GUZMAN TERRANCE LOPEZ DAVIS SPENCER ADRIAN VEGA CARLOS VEGA DREW SMITH RANDALL ZACHER RICHARD PERKINS5/2 5/2 5/5 5/6 5/6 5/6 5/10 5/13 5/14 ETHAN RODRIQUEZ GARRETT ELLIS GEOFFREY PATRICK ROBERT UBALLE RYAN COLLIER DIEGO SALGADO JAMES VADEN GRAHAM REGAN ISAIAH AVILA 5/14 5/15 5/15 5/15 5/16 5/16 5/16 5/23 5/24WILLIAM ORR DAKOTA STRATTON AARON OLIVAN DUSTIN LAYMAN WEST REDDELL JOHN BEACH ZANE FABRO JUSTIN STEELE GARRETT LUNA6/1 6/1 6/4 6/5 6/7 6/9 6/9 6/9 6/11 ZACHARY CRABTREE BRIAN CRUZ LORENZO ROMERO MICHAEL COTA BRYCE LANGDON KADEN JONES RYAN EARP JUSTIN GRAHAM GREG RICHARDSON MY’KAL BURLEY 6/16 6/18 6/18 6/19 6/20 6/24 6/25 6/27 6/27 6/29 JAMES PORTER DIEGO FIERRO CHRISTIAN WARD TYSON THOMPSON JOHNALLEN JOHNSON TRAVIS ARGUELLO CONNOR BRINSON KENNY URIAS SALVADOR RIZO JACOB ALBO KEVIN DOUTHIT4/1 4/2 4/3 4/4 4/6 4/7 4/8 4/8 4/10 4/12 4/16 NICHOLAS JIMENEZ JERAMIAH JOLLY ALONSO CARRASCO MARK ESCANDON SIMON KRUGER JUSTIN BENSON AARON COX MARTIN NUNEZ BRADEN DALE MATT HOPPMAN AARON RAGLE JESUS ALVIDREZAPRILAPRILAPRIL 4/18 4/18 4/19 4/24 4/24 4/25 4/25 4/25 4/28 4/28 4/28 4/30MAYMAYMAYJUNEJUNEJUNE
CHRISTOPHER MERRILL HUNTER CLARE TOBY BUNCH AUSTIN MARSHALL ROBERT WADE MITCHELL HEALER RYAN ROSE PHILLIP KOONCE OSCAR ZUNIGA JACOB GARDNER 09/05 09/06 09/07 09/09 09/10 09/11 09/12 09/13 09/13 09/16 KYLE EARHART WESTON LAYMAN ZACHARY SLOCUM PHOEBE SILVIA CHRISTOPHER CRUMP SPENCER ESQUIBEL JOSEPH BATSON JORDAN BARRON PHILLIP MARK ADRIAN BENAVIDES AMBER MARTINEZ Y DAVIS 09/17 09/17 09/17 09/18 09/21 09/23 09/26 09/27 09/27 09/28 09/28 CHRISTOPHER SMITH CHANDLER WHITING KAEDON ADAMS ARNOL CARRASCO CADE CASTRO RYAN NUTT LUKE KEMP JAMES GOOLSBY JOHN BARGAS BUTCH DAY SIAH OLIVAS DUSTIN IVY07/01 07/02 07/03 07/05 07/05 07/05 07/07 07/09 07/11 07/12 07/14 07/15 WADE THOMAS CHAD MILLS LUKE COLLIER JESUS ONTIVEROS ISAIAH RAMIREZ DAVID CHAPA JACOB GONZALES JESSICA BARRETT JOHN BRYANS JOSHUA BREWSTER RUSSELL LINEHAN COLIN MERRITT JULYJULYJULY SHAWN CREEL AUSTIN DAVIDSON JESSE MARTINEZ TIMOTHY BARRERA YANCEY BARRERA CHERYL GARZA TYLER THOMS DAVID BRACKETT JUSTIN HARRIS RYAN PINA PRESTON LACY JADEN SUSAN 08/01 08/01 08/06 08/07 08/07 08/08 08/08 08/09 08/09 08/09 08/10 08/11 CHARLES BROW MATTHEW GUTIERREZ JESSE CARTER EDWARD CHAVEZ MARCO MOLINAR JOSEPH RODEN JULIA WOLF REYNA CORELLA MATTHEW HILLSTROM MATTHEW WHEELER BAILEY COONE CODY WALLIN 08/12 08/13 08/15 08/19 08/24 08/24 08/24 08/25 08/26 08/26 08/28 08/29 07/15 07/16 07/17 07/17 07/19 07/19 07/21 07/25 07/25 07/28 07/29 07/31 AUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUST SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER
EventsEventsEventsEvents Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterrd July 2026 Opening Reception:Opening Reception:Opening Reception: The West Reimagined by JC SpockThe West Reimagined by JC SpockThe West Reimagined by JC Spock 1705 W Missouri Ave Midland, TX 797011705 W Missouri Ave Midland, TX 797011705 W Missouri Ave Midland, TX 79701 July 16, 2026 5:30 -7:00 pmJuly 16, 2026 5:30 -7:00 pmJuly 16, 2026 5:30 -7:00 pm Opening Reception: The West Reimagined by JC Spock 1705 W Missouri Ave Midland, TX 79701 July 16, 2026 5:30 -7:00 pm
PLEASE EXTEND YOUR WARM WISHESPLEASE EXTEND YOUR WARM WISHESPLEASE EXTEND YOUR WARM WISHES TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS ONTO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS ONTO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS ON THEIR RETIREMENTTHEIR RETIREMENTTHEIR RETIREMENT MARTIN NUNEZMARTIN NUNEZMARTIN NUNEZ DINI SMITHDINI SMITHDINI SMITH PLEASE EXTEND YOUR WARM WISHES TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS ON THEIR RETIREMENT MARTIN NUNEZ DINI SMITH Events &Events &Events & AnnouncementsAnnouncementsAnnouncements Events & Announcements Midland Fire Department 3 Quarterrd July 2026 Rib eating contest at TX Roadhouse