FY2012 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2012 | Page 10

Newsletter Title

Page 10

Even before the City’s water system supplied fire hydrants, Arlington had a fire department in the
form of a bucket brigade. As Arlington grew, so did the need for fire protection. Equipment was
purchased – initially, 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.
Arlington’s growth
increased the need for
better fire protection. In
1954, the City built a
6,300 square-foot
combination Police/Fire
Station at the corner of
Picture Courtesy of Truman Bryce
West Main Street and
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 17 fire stations supported by 17
engines, five aerial apparatus, and three battalion vehicles in service daily for the community.

DUTY

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HONOR

Working Together to Make Arlington Better.

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COMPASSION
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EXCELLENCE