FY2018 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2018 | Page 12

In FY18, the Department made a substantial commitment to the growth and education of the team, leveraging City
funds and Homeland Security grant funds to provide state-of-the-art training, continuing education (CE), and
professional development opportunities above and beyond the training and
education required by State agencies. Notable investments were made in
aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF), Special Operations (Hazmat, Gas Well
response, and Technical and Water Rescue operations), job qualifications
and development, modern fire dynamics, and firefighter safety. Members
attended nationally-recognized conferences on topics such as Firefighter
Instructors, Safety, Highrise Operations, Urban Search & Rescue, Community
Paramedicine, Professional Development, Homeland Security, Drones, and
Modern Fire Dynamics and Operations.
The Department received its first 100-foot aerial platform ladder truck – the newest
and most technologically advanced aerial apparatus in the fleet. In years previous, AFD
only purchased regular ladder trucks without any end-of-ladder work platforms. This
new truck is the first aerial apparatus that can operate and rescue people from -12
degrees below grade to 72 degrees overhead and has the largest water flow capability
of 2000 gallons per minute – twice what a regular ladder truck can flow. These new
features, along with several others, will enhance firefighter safety and improve
capabilities for rescue operations and fire suppression for the newer high-rise and
mixed-use structures under construction throughout the city. This truck, named Tower
8, will be housed in North Arlington at Fire Station 8 (2020 Madison Drive).
Metro Fire Apparatus , the Department’s
apparatus dealer, repairs and performs
maintenance improvements for the AFD-
supported Arlington Independent School District Fire Academy apparatus. In
2017, the City donated a 2000 Spartan / Quality pumper to the school district
in support of its vocational firefighter program. This apparatus requires
routine maintenance and repairs, and Metro Fire Apparatus voluntarily
provides no-cost repairs and maintenance services to keep the apparatus
ready and available for the students’ learning needs.
In December 2017, AFD celebrated the reopening of Fire Station 12
(right), using 2008 Bond funds to demolish and reconstruct
approximately 85% of the structure. The remodel was needed to
reduce operational costs and to accommodate new public access,
ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
address employee privacy needs. The remodel also allowed for
improvements to the facility for
future use of heavier apparatus for
airport protection.
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New Fire Station 17 (left) is under
construction in the North Arlington Viridian Community, located at 875 Bird Fort
Trail. This station is funded through Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #6 and was
designed by AFD staff, BRW Architects, Inc., and Viridian Holdings, L.P. It will provide
facility and apparatus space for a full-service, permanent fire station and is
strategically located to serve all of North Arlington, including Viridian, River Legacy
Park, and neighborhoods along Green Oaks Blvd.