Fort Worth, Texas, has hired a seasoned emergency services expert Sonny Saxton to fill the Director of Emergency Communications and Management role. Saxton's appointment is part of a broader strategic move to consolidate emergency services, fortify the city's response capacity, and enhance the city’s emergency communication systems, as reported by the City of Fort Worth.

With a 30-year background spanning various critical functions in emergency services, Saxton is a certified Emergency Number Professional (ENP) and possesses multiple emergency services certifications. His educational qualifications are equally robust, with a master of science degree in information systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor of science degree in information sciences from Pennsylvania State University. Saxton, before this, helmed the executive direction of the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communication Center, where his work focused on community and first responders’ mental health needs and removing barriers to access emergency services.

Saxton's history of excellence is evidenced by his leadership in constructing an emergency communication center spanning multiple states and disciplines. His approach toward public safety has generated tangible improvements in emergency communication technologies—efforts culminating in international accreditation for a multistate EMS program under his leadership. In addition to his professional undertakings, Saxton has been acknowledged through the Public Safety President's Leadership Award for his significant contributions to 911 legislative improvements in Missouri.

In alignment with Fitch & Associates’ recommendations for a new EMS system, the City of Fort Worth is also introducing Aubry Insco as the new 911 Communications Administrator, further underscoring its commitment to enhancing the 911 system’s effectiveness. Insco, a staunch public safety proponent, brings over 25 years of experience in 911 and emergency communications to the position.