The Harker Heights Fire Department was formed as a volunteer organization in 1961. A second station was constructed in 2000 to keep pace with growing demand and the department transitioned to a fully-paid, full-time agency in 2007. Central Station covers the northern district of Harker Heights, including the main portion of the city, with an average response time of four minutes[1]. Station 2 covers the southern district and rural portions of Harker Heights. The department also runs calls within Bell County and has mutual aid agreements with surrounding cities and jurisdictions.