A major restructuring of the Murphy Fire Rescue Department would allow the city to command its own emergency scenes is being considered by city officials.

City officials are considering a major restructuring of the Murphy Fire Rescue Department that would allow the city to command its own emergency scenes, moving that responsibility away from Wylie’s department.

At a Tuesday, July 2, Murphy City Council budget workshop, City Manager Aretha Adams and Fire Chief Perry Elliott proposed a reclassification of several fire department positions. The plan would create a new battalion chief rank and rename existing captains as lieutenants.

The change, officials said, was aimed at improving emergency response, boosting morale and offering career advancement to retain skilled personnel.

“The primary goal is to appropriately classify fire shift personnel in a way that allows the city of Murphy to command their own emergency scenes,” Adams said. “It reduces liability, leads to faster decision making, improves public safety and supports professional development and retention.”

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