Mid City Times

Published on June 11, 2024

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Frederick Lamond Harris was terminated from his position at the City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation department. Harris was employed at the Southwest Community Center and his termination follows a criminal investigation into an arson incident that occurred on June 3, 2024.

On June 3, 2024, Southwest division patrol officers responded to a call regarding a suspected vehicle fire at an apartment complex during the night. The Fort Worth Fire Department’s Arson Investigation Division subsequently investigated the incident to determine its cause.

The FWFD Arson Investigation Division obtained a warrant for Harris’ arrest in connection with setting fire to the vehicle. He was arrested today. During his custody by the Fort Worth Police Department, drugs packaged for sale were found on him. Following this discovery, the City of Fort Worth’s Human Resources Department immediately terminated Harris' five-month employment with the city.

Harris has been booked on felony arson charges and will also face state and federal charges for drug possession.

“In Fort Worth, we take using fire as a weapon very seriously. In such cases, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said Fort Worth Fire Department Chief Jim Davis.

The Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department emphasized that it is staffed with employees who perform their duties correctly every day. The department stated that Harris did not represent the professionalism and judgment expected of City of Fort Worth employees. The Park & Recreation department assured that it would continue to hold employees accountable who do not meet these standards and maintain transparency with the community.

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