FY2010 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2010 | Page 10

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Even before it had a water system to supply fire hydrants, Arlington had a fire department in the
form of a bucket brigade. As Arlington grew, so did its need for fire protection. Equipment was
purchased – first a hand-drawn hose cart, then 200 feet of cotton hose. In 1920, Arlington bought
its first Ford fire engine with a price tag of $400. The Department was staffed completely with
volunteers. It wasn‘t until 1926 that the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department acquired six coats and
six helmets for the firefighters.
In 1928, Arlington built a new City Hall building on the corner of Main Street and Pecan Street. The
building provided space for three trucks and sleeping quarters for five volunteers on the second
floor. A fire pole was
installed to quickly get the
firefighters to the trucks.
A large siren was placed
on top of the building
which was sounded when
a fire call was received.
In December of 1948, the
Arlington City Council
voted to hire a paid fire
chief and two paid
firefighters.
As Arlington grew, so did
its need for better fire
protection. In 1954, the
City built a 6,300 squarefoot combination Police/
Fire Station at the corner
of West Main Street and
Picture Courtesy of Truman Bryce
West Street. The existing
brick structure on the
property served as the Fire Hall. The rest of the facility, built around the garage, served as the
police station. The building additionally housed corporation court, city jail and a meeting room
where the city council would convene. Today, the building is known as Fire Station #1.
Today, the city of Arlington spans 99.5 square miles. There are 16 fire stations supported by 16
engines, 5 quints, and 3 battalion vehicles in service daily for the community.

Working Together to Make Arlington Better.

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