The Communications Division is under the direction of Assistant Chief Robert Bailey and includes Fire Dispatch, the 911 Communications Center, the Office of Emergency Preparedness, and the Public Information Officer.

Fire Dispatch is responsible for receiving calls and dispatching the closest emergency equipment to all fire, medical, rescue, and hazardous material-related requests for assistance. Global Positioning Satellite receivers, which are on all rescues, engines, trucks, and battalion command vehicles, ensure the closest company is sent to each emergency.

The 911 Communications Center is a non-uniformed division of the Fire Department. The primary function of the 9-1-1 system is to take incoming emergency requests for police, fire, and emergency medical service.

The Office of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for disaster planning, training, and public warning for the City of Dallas. It is also responsible for the maintenance and operation of the City’s Emergency Operations Center, for recovery operations following a disaster, and for coordinating public and private agencies engaged in any disaster emergency activity within the city.

The Public Information Officer keeps the media informed of the Department’s public education efforts, special programs, and special public interest issues such as large scale fires and medical emergencies. This office also produces the Department’s newsletters and news releases, as well as exclusive articles for public awareness projects and campaigns.