FY2015 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2015 | Page 15

FY 2015 Accomplishments
New Fire Engine
In January 2015, City Council
approved the purchase of a
new fire engine. The new unit
will replace an existing frontline fire apparatus that has
reached the end of its useful service life. The new
apparatus meets or exceeds EPA emission
reduction standards. In an effort to explore new
procurement options and seek greater costsavings related to fire apparatus, management
opted to perform a detailed comparison of
available equipment,
options, and customizations
available through various
cooperatives to ensure that
the City is getting the best
price and quality.

Ebola-Preparedness and Response
As a result of the FY 2015 Ebola
outbreak, with a patient fatality in
Dallas, Emergency Management
partnered with Arlington’s Public
Health Authority and Fire Medical
Operations to address the latest public health
concern. This included adding specialized
medical equipment for responders, the sharing
of information between Public Health authority
and the City’s public safety teams, and
participation in local, regional, state wide, and
national meetings on Ebola. The team created
public education materials for distribution at
special events within the
City’s Entertainment District,
and provided weekly updates
to City management.

DUTY

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HONOR

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Dispatch Services Staffing
Analysis Approvals
The City’s FY 2015 budget
efforts resulted in the
approval of additional
staffing for Dispatch
Services, as recommended
by Matrix Consulting Group
after an in-depth analysis
in FY 2014. The Dispatch team gained three
full-time training assistant positions. The
administrative staff was strengthened with
the approval of two full-time service unit
assistants. Technology is a fast-moving
aspect of public safety and the need for
technical support was acknowledged with the
addition of two Information Technology
positions. Dispatch Services has partnered
with the IT Department to fill the positions.

New Dive Boat - ”Tillie”
In March 2015,
City Council
approved funding
for a new dive
and rescue boat
for Lake Arlington and the Department’s Swift
Water & Dive Rescue Response Team. The
boat, housed at Fire Station #7, was named
“Tillie,” after Tillie Burgin, a long-time
Arlington resident, teacher,
missionary, advocate for
the citizens of Arlington,
and Executive Director of
Mission Arlington.

COMPASSION
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EXCELLENCE