FY2016 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2016 | Page 24

Fire Prevention The Fire Prevention Section encompasses both the Fire Investigation and Fire Inspections units, is home to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, and processes Open Records Requests, along with issuing operational permits for higher hazard operations and fire detection and suppression systems. As certified peace officers, the Fire Investigation Unit aggressively investigates the causes of fire in Arlington, including developing cases, interviewing Darin Niederhaus witnesses, arresting suspects, and testifying in court. The unit is also Deputy Chief responsible for conducting internal investigations to ensure the public’s and employee’s interests and rights are safeguarded. Fire Prevention Inspectors are responsible for preventing fires through periodic inspection of commercial or public buildings, licensed facilities or operations, and other buildings in the City of Arlington as well as conducting certificate of occupancy inspections for new businesses. Additionally they inspect fire suppression and notification systems including alarms, sprinklers, and cooking hoods. Inspectors play a key role in crowd management and path of egress maintenance at large scale venues such as AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, Six Flags Over Texas, and Levitt Pavilion. Many of the Fire Prevention Inspectors are also cross-trained in other disciplines to include peace officer, explosive detection canine handler, and explosive ordnance disposal technician. The EOD Team is comprised of Fire Prevention Inspectors and Investigators who are cross- trained to address the threat of explosive devices. The unit is comprised of two Explosive Detection Canine (K9) teams and seven Vapor Wake Canine (K9) teams. The EOD team is charged with investigating suspicious packages and is prepared to dispose of explosives if necessary. The team also provides support for certain types of federal search warrants, participates in regional training exercises with other EOD teams from the DFW area, and provides dignitary support and detail assistance in and around the North Texas region. The team has also assists with the Special Events being held in Arlington, as well as throughout the country, by providing pre-event sweeps for the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park, and now the Dallas Wings at UTA, as well as any other events scheduled at those venues. DUTY / HONOR / COMPASSION 23 / EXCELLENCE