Newsletter Title
Page 45
The Arlington Fire Department‘ s Fire Investigation Unit aggressively investigates the causes of fire in Arlington. As certified peace officers, Arlington‘ s Investigators develop their own cases, interview witnesses, arrest suspects, and testify in court in arson cases. The unit is responsible for conducting professional standards internal investigations if necessary, working with the City Attorney‘ s Office and Workforce Services Department to ensure the public‘ s and the employee‘ s interests and rights are safeguarded.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal( EOD) Team is comprised of Fire Prevention Inspectors and Investigators who are crosstrained to address the threat of explosive devices. The EOD Team includes six explosive detection K-9s and their handlers and six certified bomb technicians. Several team members are both dog handlers and certified bomb technicians. The team provides pre-event ― sweeps ‖ of major venues in Arlington and throughout the country, investigates suspicious packages, and disposes of explosives. In addition to the Team‘ s hours expended during the Super Bowl, EOD personnel worked over 320 hours ensuring the public‘ s safety during the 2010 American League Playoffs and the World Series.
In Fiscal Year 2011, the City of Arlington adopted operational permit fees for properties that pose unusual risks to the community. Fire Department staff evaluated the City of Arlington Fire Prevention Code and International Fire Code to determine the applicability of operational permits. Operational permits allow an entity to operate aspects of their facility that present unique fire and life safety risks above those of general office and commercial space. Examples include industrial painting, storage of hazardous materials, and assemblies of large groups of people. Permits are granted to authorize these businesses to conduct the specified operations. Staff evaluated City costs, surveyed operational permit fee schedules in the Metroplex, and developed a fee structure that is based on City costs and aligned with other cities that charge operational permit fees.
The revenue collected from operational permit fees does not provide full cost recovery for the City‘ s investment in a Hazardous Materials Response Team, nor does it recover the full costs of the City‘ s Fire Prevention program. However, operational permit fees help to offset some of the costs for these investments.
45
Working Together to Make Arlington Better.