FIRE CHIEF BRET STIDHAM
It is with great pride and appreciation that I present the 2024 annual report on behalf of the Arlington Fire Department.
Over the past year, we have remained committed in our mission to protect lives and property while continuing to advance the professionalism and overall preparedness of our organization. Like many public safety agencies across the nation, we continue to face evolving challenges— rising call volumes, increasing complexity in emergency incidents, and the need to adapt to rapid technological change. Through it all, the men and women of the Arlington Fire Department have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and an incredible commitment to service. We have met these challenges by strengthening internal communication, enhancing our training programs, and embracing a culture of a mission-first mentality.
Over the last year, we began implementing four-person staffing which has enhanced firefighter safety and operational efficiency, allowing us to better serve our citizens in critical moments. We continue to embrace innovation by leveraging new technologies that support data-driven decision-making, improved response times, and enhanced communication. Our commitment to cultivating strong partnerships with local agencies, community organizations, and regional stakeholders is key to our success.
We have increased our training and continuing education to ensure our personnel are prepared to meet today’ s challenges and tomorrow’ s organizational and generational changes. Training at all levels of the department will continue to strengthen our ability to respond effectively and prepare all members for the future. Additionally, our role in managing larger and more complex special events continues to grow, and we take pride in ensuring these events are safe, well-coordinated, and enjoyable for all.
None of our accomplishments would be possible without the incredible dedication, hard work, and professionalism of the men and women of the Arlington Fire Department. Their commitment to excellence and deep sense of duty to the citizens and visitors of Arlington are the foundation of our success.
4 ARLINGTON FIRE ANNUAL REPORT 2024