Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has appointed Justin Ball as the new Chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR), effective April 23.
Ball, who has been with the department since 1997, has been serving as the interim Fire Chief over the past 11 months. He was selected for the permanent position following an extensive nationwide search involving over 30 candidates.
“Chief Ball has a demonstrated track record of strong leadership,” Tolbert said. “He has brought fresh ideas to solve problems and seized on innovative opportunities to take this internationally recognized department to the next level.”
As the 18th Fire Chief, Ball will oversee a $430 million budget and approximately 2,200 personnel. His selection came after a thorough process that narrowed the field to four semifinalists who participated in community feedback panels.
Ball has risen through every rank within DFR since joining as a firefighter-paramedic nearly three decades ago. Most recently, he served as Executive Assistant Chief of Operations.
“It’s an incredible honor to have been selected as the permanent Chief to lead the brave men and women with whom I have the pleasure of working with each day,” Ball stated. “I look forward to building on our positive momentum, focusing on the safety and wellness of our members, and continuing to deliver the best service to this community.”
Originally from northeast England, Ball has lived in the Dallas area for more than 30 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration from Texas A&M University and numerous professional certifications.
The appointment comes amid broader changes in Dallas’s public safety leadership structure. Ball succeeds Dominique Artis, who was recently appointed as the City’s first Chief of Public Safety, overseeing both fire and police departments.
Ball’s extensive certification portfolio includes Master Firefighter, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, and various leadership qualifications.