By The Alliance Gazette
EASTLAND, Texas — The Cisco Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 5528, has issued a formal letter of support for Eastland Police Chief Tim Pitts, choosing to send it directly to the Alliance Gazette so that the people of Eastland could hear their message.
The letter, addressed to the citizens of Eastland and the Eastland City Commission, describes Chief Pitts as someone who has dedicated more than 30 years to law enforcement with a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and servant leadership. The association states it stands firmly behind Chief Pitts and recognizes his decades of dedicated service to public safety.
The timing carries particular significance. Cisco Fire Chief Fairbanks was publicly recognized at Monday’s Eastland City Commission meeting, July 20, 2026, by City Manager Savannah Fortenberry, Eastland Fire Chief Shawn Brightman, and Chief Pitts himself, honoring Fairbanks for his assistance to Eastland during last year’s fire chief vacancy. Days later his association issued this letter as Pitts faces a special session called for July 27th in which the commission will enter executive session to deliberate personnel matters regarding the Chief of Police.
The letter does not name individual commissioners but addresses growing concern about recent events within Eastland city government, stating that public confidence depends upon stability, transparency, and placing community interests above personal or political differences. The association also references Fortenberry’s resignation directly, noting that it has raised additional concerns about the overall direction and stability of city leadership.
The full letter is published below.
The Alliance Gazette will be present at the July 27th Special Session and will report what happens in the open, and what does not.