Cy-Fair Fire Department Seeks Applicants for Commissioner Vacancy: How Residents Can Get Involved
Residents in the Cy-Fair Fire Department service area have a unique opportunity to directly influence local emergency response efforts. Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 (HCESD9), which oversees the Cy-Fair Fire Department, has announced an open seat on its Board of Commissioners and is inviting community members to apply.
The opening follows the resignation of a board member, and in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Section 775.0445, the remaining commissioners will appoint a qualified individual to serve the remainder of the term, which expires in November 2026.
A Pillar of Public Safety: What Cy-Fair Fire Department Does
The Cy-Fair Fire Department is one of the largest combination fire departments in the United States. It serves over 600,000 residents across northwest Harris County, including the Cypress and Fairbanks communities. With nearly 500 career and volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, Cy-Fair Fire Department responds to thousands of emergency calls annually, offering lifesaving services such as fire suppression, advanced life support, technical rescue, and public safety education.
The department operates under the governance of HCESD9, a political subdivision funded primarily through local sales and property taxes. The five-member board of commissioners is responsible for strategic oversight, budget approvals, and ensuring the department meets the safety needs of the community. Established in 1984, this political subdivision of the State of Texas functions as a taxing district to fund emergency services such as fire suppression and ambulance response. The board of commissioners—comprised of local residents or property owners—serve staggered four-year terms. Funding comes from both property and sales taxes, with revenue generated from assessments on residential, commercial, and undeveloped land.
In a major milestone for service consolidation, HCESD9 officially merged with its longtime service provider, the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, on January 1, 2020. Today, the unified organization operates as the Cy-Fair Fire Department, delivering both fire protection and EMS services to one of the fastest-growing areas in northwest Harris County.
Who Can Apply for the Commissioner Role?
To be eligible, applicants must meet the qualifications outlined in the Texas Election Code 141.001. In short, candidates must:
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Be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old
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Have no disqualifying felony convictions or mental incapacitations
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Be a registered voter and a continuous resident of Texas for at least one year and of the HCESD9 area for at least six months prior to the appointment date
Additional considerations will include an applicant’s knowledge of fire prevention, EMS operations, and understanding of policies relevant to emergency services governance.
Conflict-of-interest rules outlined in Chapter 171 of the Texas Local Government Code also apply, meaning commissioners must avoid financial or personal conflicts in their role.
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Application Process and Key Dates
Interested residents must apply online by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025. The application includes submission of a resume and a signed statement affirming eligibility.
The timeline for the appointment is as follows:
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June 13, 2025: Application deadline at 4:00 p.m.
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June 17, 2025: Commissioners review applications and select interview candidates.
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June 18, 2025: Applicants are notified via email.
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June 24, 2025: Interviews begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a board vote.
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June 25, 2025: Final decision communicated to all interviewed applicants.
Those selected will have a voice in shaping the policies and funding that keep emergency services running smoothly for one of the busiest departments in the region.
A Call to Serve Your Community
If you’ve ever wanted to play a bigger role in supporting local emergency responders, now is the time to step forward. Serving as a commissioner is more than a governance role—it’s a chance to help safeguard the health and safety of your neighbors in Cy-Fair.
For full eligibility details, application instructions, and to submit your materials, visit the official Cy-Fair Fire Department website at cyfairfd.org/235/Commissioner-Vacancy.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
