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
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HONOR
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COMPASSION
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EXCELLENCE