FY2018 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2018 | Page 2

As the EMS call demand continues to grow, the Arlington Fire Department’s first response model – sending a Fire
Engine or Ladder Truck (heavy fleet) and an ambulance on all EMS calls – is not always the most efficient use of
resources. Nearly 80% of AFD emergency calls are EMS related . Many of those calls can be served by a two-
person lightweight Squad or Rescue unit and ambulance, leaving the heavy fleet available for more serious calls.
Adjusting to increasing community need in 2017, the AFD implemented Light Response Vehicle (LRV) Units , called
Rescues, at the City’s five double company stations, gaining immediate public support for a common sense, cost-
effective approach to providing emergency response services. Compared to heavy fleet units, LRVs are more agile and
adaptive, get better fuel mileage, have great utility, and can respond to most of the EMS call demand. These units can
also respond to more serious emergencies, like structure fires where Rescue crews are assigned to officers from heavy
fleet units. Rescue units augment firefighting resources and
carry specialized response equipment associated with the Light Response Units
Heavy Fleet Units
Special Operations teams assigned to the City’s five sectors.
LRV Rescue units are activated as existing staffing levels allow.
When the units are fully staffed they provide the Department
with a 21% increase in emergency response capacity
which results in increased response unit availability and better
overall response times. LRVs simultaneously address the
community’s EMS demand while keeping our heavy fleet
available for more serious and large-scale incidents. The LRV
program reduces mileage on the heavy fleet units thus
extending the useful life of Fire Engines and Ladder Trucks.
•
•
$50k to $70k
4,000 lbs.
•
•
$650k to $1.1m
40,000 - 60,000 lbs.
It’s a cost effective, common sense program that clearly works.
Lieutenant David Culhane (1959-2018)
Lieutenant David Culhane served the Arlington Fire Department from 1979 to 2017. At the time of his retirement, he
was the longest tenured firefighter in the AFD. David was well known for his professional
leadership, dedication to service, and honesty, as well as his clever wit. He was one of the best
officers in the history of the Department. Notably, David was the driving force behind the
transition to the Cairns 1010 fire helmet we proudly wear today. His commitment to his local
fire district was a great example of how to make a difference in the community we serve.
David’s sense of duty and honor inspired next-generation firefighters to be their best while
meeting the high expectations of our great organization. Sadly, we lost David to cancer a few
short months after his retirement, reminding us of yet another potential risk associated with
our profession.
In partnership with Deidre Culhane, I am pleased to announce the David Culhane Memorial
Scholarship for Future Firefighters at the Tarrant County College Fire Service Training
Center and invite you to join me in honoring David’s dedication and passion for the fire service
by making a contribution. The fund is set up to support unsponsored firefighter candidates
with the hope of carrying on David’s legacy by supporting future generations of firefighters — to give them the
training they need to serve with the same leadership, compassion, and confidence as did David.
- Don Crowson, Fire Chief
How YOU can support David’s legacy:
• Donate at http://foundation.tccd.edu/give. Using the drop-down menu next to Gift Designation, select “Please
enter name of scholarship or program in the comment box below,” and enter David Culhane Memorial
Scholarship in the comment box provided.
• Send a check made payable to the TCC Foundation to 1500 Houston St., Fort Worth, TX 76102, noting David
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Culhane Memorial Scholarship in the memo line.