Kaufman County Appoints New ESD #6 Board President and Member

Kaufman County, TX - Kaufman County Judge Jackie Allen recently approved the appointment of Mario Luna as the new President of the Kaufman County Emergency Services District (ESD) #6 Board. Commissioner Luna, who has served on the ESD #6 Board for the past two years, steps into the leadership role following the passing of longtime Board President Ed Wilson. Mr. Wilson served the district with distinction for 23 years.

Kaufman County, TX - Kaufman County Judge Jackie Allen recently approved the appointment of Mario Luna as the new President of the Kaufman County Emergency Services District (ESD) #6 Board. Commissioner Luna, who has served on the ESD #6 Board for the past two years, steps into the leadership role following the passing of longtime Board President Ed Wilson. Mr. Wilson served the district with distinction for 23 years.

In addition to his service on the ESD #6 Board, Mr. Luna is the Director of Fine Arts for Forney ISD and an active volunteer firefighter with the Sunnyvale Fire Rescue Department. Over the past decade, he has participated in numerous fire training programs, including summer sessions at the Texas A&M TEEX Fire School in College Station.

To fill the vacancy left by Mr. Luna’s transition to Board President, Ricky Barnes has been appointed to the ESD #6 Board. Mr. Barnes brings a wealth of public safety experience, having started his career with the City of Forney in 1979 as a patrolman. Over a 37-year career, he served in various roles—patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant, and chief of police for approximately 25 years.

Mr. Barnes also dedicated over three decades to the Forney Fire Department, holding positions such as firefighter, lieutenant, fire marshal, arson investigator, EMT, and chief. He retired after 31 years of service. Throughout his career, Mr. Barnes accumulated approximately 3,000 hours of specialized training in law enforcement, fire response, and emergency medical services, along with extensive leadership and administrative education.

These appointments reflect the County’s continued commitment to experienced leadership and dedicated public service in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

ESD #6 is an independent governmental entity managed by five members of a Board of Commissioners who serve two-year terms and are appointed by the County Commissioners. ESD #6 contracts with the Forney Fire Department to handle fire response services, as well as critical response for automotive accidents, critical incidents on ranches, and other emergencies. ESD #6 also works with the Forney 911 system to provide quick response during medical emergencies. ESD #6 plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and a high quality of life for families living outside of Forney. ESD #6 also helps keep home and business insurance low by providing fire, emergency and 911 services by full-time, well-trained professionals.

Prior to the formation of ESD #6, the families living in the rural areas of Kaufman County were served by a small, volunteer fire department. Due to our population growth, ESD #6 was approved in 2001 by voters of the unincorporated areas outside of Forney and is funded by property taxes, the same way city residents pay for their emergency services. While the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department and County Constables help protect families from crime in these unincorporated areas, fire and emergency services are provided through the Kaufman County Emergency Services District #6 (ESD #6).