On September 5, 1927 the Odessa City Council in regular session initiates the first steps into adding a fire department for the City. They authorize the purchase of a fire truck, hose and other fire fighting equipment in the amount of about $9,000. The arrival of the fire truck was the signal for the organization of a city fire department. As quick as the fire department was organized, Odessa receives the benefit of a general reduction in fire insurance rates on all property here in addition to first class protection from the hazards of other losses by fire. The first fire truck carried a heavy-duty high pressure water pump, a chemical tank with special hose, hook and ladder equipment and an adequate supply of large size hose. A total of 5,000 feet of hose was available for emergencies. At the time, the chemical apparatus would be the main reliance for combating small fires, as the new municipal waterworks system had not been completed. However, the water pump could be used in the event of fires in the business section by drawing on water tanks at the courthouse or at the railroad station. When the waterworks system, under construction at the time, was completed there was fire hydrants available throughout the city.

September 23, 1927 a meeting was called by the City Council to set up the preliminary organization of Odessa’s first volunteer fire department. Also, at this same time the first Fire Chief was appointed, Robert Morgan Neill. Soon after P.J. Hubbard, A.J. Burkes, W.P. Scott, Pat Walsh, Sam McCowan, Joe McCowan, George Shows, Emery Jones, C. H. Stevenson, J. H. Price, and C. H. Slaughter all stated their names for membership to be the first volunteer firefighters in the City of Odessa.
During the beginning stages of setting up the Odessa Fire Department it was decided to train the first volunteers of the fire department through a series of practice fire alarms as soon as the big fire siren on top the Citizens National Bank was ready for operation.

Storing the first fire truck was a concern, and an issue George Shows, first fire truck driver, would have to deal with. To combat this issue the City of Odessa stored the truck at Robert Morgan Neill’s garage located in the 100 Block of South Lee until permanent quarters could be obtained. The truck stayed at Neill's garage until 1933. During that same year the fire truck was then moved to J.H. Price & C.H. Stevenson’s garage located at 7th & Grant and stored there until 1939.

In 1939 at 3rd & Lee the first Central Fire Station was built. Some eleven years later in 1950 the second Central Fire Station was built and opened up in April 1950 at 210 N. Lincoln. This new station was originally the combined Fire Station, Police Station & Municipal Court.

In 1939, Oliver Moody, Chunky Hendricks, Ovid Bagby, and Chester Frady, were the first paid firefighters hired by the city. These firefighters were given a monthly salary of $80. The City of Odessa Fire department was now operating with half paid firefighters and half volunteer.

During 1944 the department made 175 runs, and in 1945 made 208 runs with a city population that had grown to around 12,000 people. At this time the City of Odessa decided to end the volunteer status of firefighters and started operating with 12 fulltime employees.

Almost 60 years later, in the year 2000, the Odessa Fire Department responded to 9,594 calls. On January 9, 2001 the Odessa City Council approved a $1.58 million bid to build two new, identical, 6,800 square foot fire stations. According to the current Fire Chief Steve Pollock, the two new stations were moved eastward to accommodate the city's development.
In July of 2001 the fire department took possession of three new engines and one ladder truck. These additions to the fleet are state of the art, enclosed cab Pierce engines. The engines are 370 horse diesel powered and the ladder truck is a 500 horse diesel with all wheel steer and a 105 foot ladder. They carry 800 feet of large diameter (5") hose and 750 gallons of water.

Today, the OFD has 162 fully paid members with a starting salary of $2,425 per month for firefighters.

Currently, the OFD provides many services from 8 stations and an administrative office in the Municipal Plaza.

Those services include:

• Hazmat

• Technical Rescue

• Fire/EMS response

• Fire prevention and inspection

• Public education