On Friday, January 24, at approximately 11:50 a.m., the Burleson Fire/EMS Department responded to a 911 call for a high-angle rescue at a power substation in the 700-block of North Burleson Boulevard. A contractor crew working atop a 150-foot cell tower had come into contact with electrical lines, leaving one crew member critically injured and all three stranded at the top of the structure.
Upon arrival, Burleson Fire crews found two of the contractors uninjured and able to self-rescue by climbing down the tower. The third crew member, however, remained critically injured and unable to descend. Recognizing the complexity of the situation, Burleson Fire requested assistance from the Fort Worth Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team (TRT) to execute the rescue.
To ensure the safety of both the patient and emergency responders, power was temporarily shut off to nearby residents. A collaborative rescue plan was quickly developed, with a team comprised of one firefighter from Burleson and one from Fort 
Worth ascending the tower. Carrying heavy equipment necessary for the operation, they meticulously built the rope, anchor, and pulley systems required to safely lower the injured contractor.
The operation was physically demanding, with responders battling cold temperatures, high winds, and a swaying tower as they worked with precision and care. Unlike firefighting—where speed is often critical—technical rescues require methodical, calculated movements. Every step of the operation depended on clear and coordinated radio communication between ground teams, those on the truck, and the rescue team 150 feet in the air.
After approximately four hours of painstaking effort, the team successfully brought the patient down. He was immediately given emergency lifesaving care and transported by ambulance to a local burn facility.
“The teamwork, skill, and dedication displayed in this operation ensured that everyone, including our first responders, made it home safely,” stated Fire Chief Casey Davis.
BURLESON FIRE UNITS INVOLVED IN RESCUE OPERATIONS
- Truck 16 – Rescue Operations
- Lt. Ben Eason
- Eng. Kade Watson
- FF/Paramedic Josh Smith
- FF/EMT Beau Rehonic
Medic 16 – Rescue Operations- FF/Paramedic Nico Ban (EMS FTO)
- FF/EMT Dakota Kirkwood
- FF/Paramedic Hunter Corbell
- Battalion 1 – Command & Rescue Operations
- Battalion Chief Jake Hopps
- Battalion Chief Duane Wines (Training Division)
- Medic 3 – Patient Care & Transport
- FF/Paramedic Quentin Smith
- FF/EMT Matthew Fox
- Chief 1 – Command & Safety
- Fire Chief Casey Davis
Fort Worth Fire Department Units (Approximately 30 Fort Worth Fire Personnel on Scene)
- Operations Division Chief 2
- Battalion Chief 1
- Battalion Chief 2
- Engine 28
- Engine 2
- Tower 1
- Truck 2
- Support 1
- PIO
Concurrent Emergency Calls in Burleson
While the rescue operation was in progress, multiple emergency calls occurred throughout the city. A special thank you to Alvarado Fire, Briaroaks Fire, Crowley Fire, Fort Worth Fire, and CareFlite for their assistance in handling these incidents.
- 9 EMS Calls
- 1 Structure Fire
- 1 Motor Vehicle Accident (Vehicle vs. Building)