Published on December 08, 2024
Sonny Saxton brings a 30-year background in emergency services to the newly created role of Director of Emergency Communications and Management for the City of Fort Worth.
“Sonny Saxton’s career has been highlighted by numerous impactful roles, including 911 executive director, regional director for emergency management, firefighter, EMT and paramedic,” said Assistant City Manager Valerie Washington. “He has experienced emergency services from several important vantage points and has planned and overseen high-profile communication center and technology improvements, including construction of a multistate and multidiscipline emergency communication center.”
Saxton is a certified Emergency Number Professional (ENP) and holds multiple certifications in emergency services. He earned 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.
Since 2019, Saxton has been the executive director of the Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle County Emergency Communication Center, a certified agency in a region known for its historical significance, prestigious university, agritourism and vibrant sectors in defense and tech startups. The center has focused on addressing mental health needs for the community and first responders, including 911 telecommunicators, while removing barriers to accessing emergency services.
Saxton previously led a multistate EMS program to achieve international accreditation in communications. He provides consulting services for public safety agencies and encourages team engagement in civic activities.
His leadership has been recognized with the Public Safety President’s Leadership Award in his home state of Missouri for contributions to 911 legislative improvements. Additionally, he has received gubernatorial appointments to 911 and EMS advisory boards, highlighting his impact in the field.
Background: As part of its work building a new EMS system for Fort Worth and 13 surrounding cities, nationally known consulting firm Fitch & Associates earlier this year recommended a consolidation of Fire and current MedStar 911 communications facilities.
An Ad Hoc Committee, appointed by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, is chaired by Councilmember Carlos Flores and includes Councilmembers Macy Hill, Jared Williams, Elizabeth Beck and Charles Lauersdorf.
In their stakeholder engagement survey, Fitch concentrated on the high-level themes of governance, accountability, transparency, board function and representation, and fiscal sustainability. National peer cities used for benchmarking included Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Ind.; Jacksonville and Pinellas County in Florida; Mecklenburg and Wake counties in North Carolina; Reno Nevada; Richmond, Va.; San Diego and San Jose in California; Seattle Wash; and Tulsa Okla. In Texas, benchmark organizations include Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Travis County.
Further, as part of Fort Worth’s commitment to enhancing the 911 system and improving service delivery, the City has appointed a new 911 Communications Administrator, Aubry Insco. With over 25 years of experience in 911 and emergency communications, Insco is a dedicated advocate for public safety. This is a new position for the City of Fort Worth.
