Firefighter Photographer Documents Fort Worth Fire Department’s Journey

FORT WORTH, Texas — Glen Ellman was just 20 years old and returning home from an event when he stumbled upon a burning row house at 2:30 a.m. on his birthday. What he witnessed that night shaped his career and commitment to the Fort Worth community.

As a photojournalism student at Syracuse University, Ellman seized the opportunity, pulling out his camera to document the fire. He observed the fire department’s initial calm response turn frantic as firefighters were pulled from the building, a tragedy that resulted in the deaths of four firefighters.

“From there, I was never unemployed. I never really had to go look for a job my whole life, and I always remembered where I came from,” Ellman said. “I was always going to pay it back and pay it forward to the guys. I’ve been doing it ever since.” This haunting experience marked the beginning of a lifelong career in photography.

Ellman has spent nearly two decades in journalism, more than a dozen years as the chief photographer at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. In 2002, he was recruited to join the Fort Worth Fire Department at the urging of former Chief H. Larry McMillen, who believed Ellman could help increase community awareness about the department.

“I wanted this community to know what was going on in the fire department, and there’s really no better way to do that than through photography,” McMillen stated.

McMillen praised Ellman’s contributions, saying, “I’d show up at major fires. I could get there pretty quick, but I (don’t) recall that I was there before Glen was there. He was like one of the firefighters. … Outfitting him with firefighting gear made a big difference — when he would wear it.”

Former Fire Marshal Jim Tidwell expressed similar sentiments. He remarked that every photograph featured in the newspaper boosted the department’s image and morale. “Glen would then go to the stations and give them copies of the pictures. He became ingrained in the fabric of the fire department,” Tidwell said.

Now serving as a media services specialist, Ellman captures a wide array of moments—from graduation headshots to the department’s active responses. He has created a unique photographic portfolio that tells the stories of the firefighters and their daily struggles.

“I think your photos have worked as a recruitment and retention tool for firefighters from across the country because I hear it all the time,” noted Peter Matthews, editor-in-chief of Firehouse magazine. “The quality of photos that come out of here are better than most cities. … People from all over the country and really all over the world know Fort Worth.”

Ellman’s dedication goes beyond just capturing images. He is always near a dispatch radio, even keeping a speaker under his pillow at night to ensure he never misses a call.

“Knowing these guys and their commitment to the residents of the city gives us that unique view,” Ellman explained. “It truly is an honor and privilege to be able to share their stories to the best of our abilities.”

As a testament to his impact, Ellman has fostered a strong bond with the Fort Worth Fire Department, becoming an inseparable part of the community he once sought to document.