FY2018 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2018 | Page 28

In January 2018, the AFD established a Department-wide Stakeholder Committee as a result of the ongoing need to
address issues of importance and to improve the team’s understanding of how and why decisions are made.
The committee’s mission is to address departmental concerns in an open, transparent, and positive manner by
hearing perspectives from all points of view, helping to identify and solve issues, and working in collaboration to
address concerns in a manner that serves the interest of the entire team, as well as our community.
Committee membership is comprised of individuals from all levels and areas of the Department, both sworn and
civilian, and comes from a group of individuals who requested to participate, were recommended, or were selected
because of their unique perspectives which should help us see issues in a more comprehensive manner.
2018 TOPICS:
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Benefits
Staffing
Department Funding and Budget
Internal Communication
Vacation Scheduling
• Management Communications to
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City Council
Health and Safety Issues
Civil Service and Local Rules Updates
Hiring and Promotions
LRV Units and Training
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TIFMAS / Texas Taskforce 1 Teams
2018 Bond Package
AFD 2025 Strategic Planning
FY Annual Reports
NFPA Fire Statistics
In 2018, AFD sent firefighters across Texas to respond as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS),
and one member of AFD deployed as part of the Texas Taskforce 1 Urban Search & Rescue team (TXTF1) to assist with
rescue and recovery operations during and after Hurricane Florence. The TIFMAS teams were instrumental in stopping
the spread of multiple wild fires across West Texas. The selfless service of the AFD members of the TIFMAS and TXTF1
teams is an example of the Department’s core values of Duty, Honor, Compassion, and Excellence. We are honored to
serve as part of a statewide solution that helps our fellow Texans when they need help the most.
Chaplain Don Coker
Don Coker served the Arlington Fire Department from September 17, 1971 to January 31, 2003,
retiring after 31 years in the fire service. During his career, he promoted to the rank of Captain
while serving in various capacities throughout his storied career as an active firefighter. In 2010,
Chief Crowson asked the retired fire captain to serve as the Fire Department’s chaplain. With a
heart for God and the fire service, Coker quickly accepted the opportunity to serve others.
During last nine years as chaplain, Don has officiated funerals, visited ill retirees and their
families, responded to emergency incident tragedies, participated in official department
memorials, firefighter graduations and promotions, and still visits stations to stay connected
with his fire department. Chaplain Coker’s compassionate care and mentorship has helped this
Department through many difficult times. For 40 years Don has served the Arlington Fire
Department. We are blessed to have him as our Chaplain. Thank you, Don!
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