Kaufman County Emergency Services District 6

02/12/2026

Kaufman County would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Rick Barnes for his dedicated service on the Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6 (ESD #6) Board of Commissioners. Mr. Barnes faithfully served the community, and we thank him for his commitment and leadership as his term concluded at the end of 2025.

Mr. Barnes brought a distinguished and extensive background in public safety. He began his career with the City of Forney in 1979 as a patrolman and served the community for 37 years in a variety of roles, including patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant, and chief of police for approximately 25 years.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Mr. Barnes dedicated more than 30 years to the Forney Fire Department. His service included roles as firefighter, lieutenant, fire marshal, arson investigator, EMT, and chief. He retired after 31 years of service. Throughout his career, Mr. Barnes completed approximately 3,000 hours of specialized training in law enforcement, fire response, and emergency medical services, along with extensive leadership and administrative education.

His past appointment reflects Kaufman County’s ESD #6 continued commitment to experienced leadership and dedicated public service in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6 is an independent governmental entity governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the County Commissioners to serve two-year terms. ESD #6 contracts with the Forney Fire Department to provide fire suppression services, respond to motor vehicle accidents, manage critical incidents in rural areas, and address a wide range of other emergencies. The district also works in coordination with the Forney 911 system to ensure rapid response to medical emergencies.

ESD #6 plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and preserving a high quality of life for families living outside the city limits of Forney. By providing fire protection, emergency response, and 911 services through full-time, highly trained professionals, ESD #6 also helps maintain favorable home and business insurance rates for residents.

Prior to the formation of ESD #6, residents in the rural areas of Kaufman County were served by a small volunteer fire department. In response to significant population growth, voters in the unincorporated areas outside Forney approved the creation of ESD #6 in 2001. The district is funded through property taxes, similar to how municipal emergency services are funded for city residents. While the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and County Constables provide law enforcement services in these areas, fire and emergency services are delivered through Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6.

For more information about Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6, please visit www.kcesd6.net.

02/11/2026

🚒 The Forney Fire Department’s January 2026 Monthly Report is now available. We’re proud to share a look at how we served our community to start the year!

02/09/2026

Recently, several members of the ESD #6 Board of Commissioners demonstrated their continued commitment to strengthening district governance and enhancing operational readiness by attending the annual Safe-D Conference hosted by the Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. During the conference, commissioners completed required professional education and participated in a wide range of sessions focused on best practices, regulatory compliance, fiscal oversight, and effective leadership within emergency services districts across Texas. This ongoing professional development ensures that the board remains knowledgeable, prepared, and well-equipped to make informed decisions that support the district’s mission and serve the needs of constituents both now and in the future.

02/08/2026

Board President Luna visited with Texas House State Representative Keith Bell at the Forney Education Foundation Gala last night. It was a great opportunity to visit with him and share an update on the continued progress of Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6, Station #4. We truly appreciate Representative Bell’s ongoing support of ESD #6 and our Forney Fire Department, and his commitment to public safety and our growing community. Thank you for taking the time to visit and for always standing behind the first responders who serve Forney and the surrounding areas!

02/05/2026

02/02/2026

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Forney Fire Chief Holcomb for attending the Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts conference this past week alongside the Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6 Board. This marks Chief Holcomb’s second time attending, and his continued presence speaks volumes about the strong and growing partnership between the City of Forney and KCESD #6.

Kaufman County ESD #6 plays a vital role in supporting fire protection and emergency services for our community by funding equipment, training, and resources that help ensure our first responders are prepared to serve at the highest level. Collaboration opportunities like this conference allow leaders to share best practices, advocate for public safety, and strengthen the relationships that ultimately benefit our residents.

We appreciate Chief Holcomb’s commitment to teamwork, leadership, and the shared mission of keeping our community safe. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

02/01/2026

Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6 continues to focus on the future of emergency response through strategic planning, leadership development, and infrastructure investment.

A key component of that effort was Board President Mario Luna and Fire Chief Holcomb’s recent attendance at the Fire Department Facilities Conference in Denton, an event dedicated to modern fire station design and emergency services infrastructure. The conference brought together fire service leaders, architects, and construction professionals from across Texas to share best practices related to station layout, firefighter safety, operational efficiency, and long-term growth planning. The knowledge gained from this conference is playing an important role in shaping future ESD #6 fire station construction.

These insights are especially valuable as ESD #6 moves forward with initial planning for Station #4, in partnership with Gallagher Construction and Martinez Architects. The conference provided guidance on how to design facilities that not only meet current operational needs but also allow flexibility for future expansion as the district continues to grow.

Board President Mario Luna emphasized the importance of proactive planning, stating, “Attending the Fire Department Facilities Conference was critical as we prepare for future station construction. Every decision we make is focused on supporting our firefighters and providing reliable, high-quality emergency services to our community.”
Through continued education, strong leadership, and thoughtful infrastructure planning, Kaufman County ESD #6 remains dedicated to enhancing fire and medical services while preparing for the needs of residents both now and in the years ahead.

01/25/2026

Thank you Outback Steakhouse!

01/25/2026

We’re excited to announce the launch of the newly designed website for Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6!

This update reflects our continued progress and forward-looking actions as we work to better serve our ESD citizens. The new site is designed to be more accessible, informative, and transparent making it easier for our community to stay informed, connected, and engaged with the services that support public safety.

As we move forward, we remain committed to continuous improvement and to meeting the evolving needs of the residents we serve. We invite you to explore the new website and see how we’re building for the future together.

KC Emergency Services District #6 provides fire, rescue, and medical response in Kaufman County outside Forney, serving the community with reliable emergency solutions.

01/24/2026

Prayers for this family in the ESD and thank you to our Forney Fire Department for their hard work!

01/24/2026

01/16/2026

Tonight at the Travis Ranch HOA meeting, Chief Holcomb and President Luna spoke with residents about the future possibility of building a Fire station within the Travis Ranch community.

They shared how a station inside the community could bring faster emergency response times, improved neighborhood safety, and a stronger day-to-day presence of first responders who know our area and our families. Having a nearby station also supports proactive policing and fire prevention, better traffic and emergency coordination, and long-term protection of property values as the community continues to grow.

Most importantly, this conversation emphasized planning ahead, making smart, thoughtful decisions now to ensure Travis Ranch remains a safe, thriving place to live for years to come. Thank you to Chief Holcomb, President Luna, and everyone who participated in this important discussion about our community’s future.