SAN MARCOS, Texas — San Marcos will begin providing emergency medical services later this year, making EMS the city’s third public safety service alongside police and fire.
City officials said the move follows broader changes in Hays County, where communities are shifting toward independent EMS service models, the San Marcos Daily Record reported.
| MORE: Inside EMS career development roundup: Pathways, challenges and opportunities
“It’s important for our community to understand that emergency medical care will remain available throughout this transition period,” Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson said. “Transitioning to a city-operated service will not disrupt patient care, medical oversight or clinical standards. If you are experiencing an emergency and call 911, your call will be answered, and we will respond.”
San Marcos began studying EMS options in 2025 and found a standalone EMS department would best support service quality, sustainability and financial transparency. In January 2026, the City Council directed staff to develop a transition plan, with qualified EMS employees hired by the city becoming municipal employees.
San Marcos has also selected Jill Rosales as its EMS chief. City officials said the role will help guide the new department’s operations, hiring and transition planning.
“Jill has extensive organizational leadership experience, deep institutional knowledge of our local EMS system, and a demonstrated ability to lead organizations of transition while maintaining operational continuity and workforce stability,” Anderson said. “She is uniquely positioned to provide immediate stability and continuity of service while enhancing operations and strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders.”
Rosales currently leads San Marcos Hays County EMS, where she has overseen a $13.5 million budget, updated policies and worked to improve response times and staffing since joining the nonprofit as an EMT in 2008.
