TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE AND GROWTH
At the Arlington Fire Department, training is not just a requirement— it’ s the foundation of readiness. Every evolution, drill, and scenario we practice is designed to ensure our actions become second nature in the field. Whether responding to routine calls or high-risk incidents, our firefighters are equipped with the skills and confidence to act decisively and safely. Through technical continuing education, specialized operations training, and targeted partnerships, AFD remains committed to building a workforce that is prepared, adaptable, and mission-ready.
TECHNICAL CONTINUING EDUCATION
In FY24, AFD personnel completed more than 4,200 hours of in-house continuing education, reinforcing core operational tactics that support daily response readiness. Training sessions focus on critical fireground skills and scenario-based practice, including:
• Search and Rescue
• Rapid Intervention Team( RIT) Deployment
• Forcible Entry techniques
• Hose Deployment Strategies
• Engine Operations and Pumping
• Vehicle Extrication Procedures
• Electric Vehicle Fire Response
This level of commitment to foundational skillsets ensures our members are prepared to respond effectively in high-pressure environments, reducing risk and increasing safety for both the public and our crews.
SPECIALIZED AND COLLABORATIVE TRAINING INITIATIVES
Beyond technical and special operations training, AFD also pursues innovative, grant-funded programs that enhance our preparedness for large-scale events and emerging threats. These specialized trainings are often conducted in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions, allowing for cross-agency collaboration and the exchange of new tactics and technologies. Recent initiatives include:
• Railroad Safety and Hazardous Cargo Response
• Highway and Tanker HazMat Incident Training
• Lithium-Ion Battery and Electric Vehicle Fire Response( hosted by Fort Worth)
• Hazardous Material Sampling with Louisiana State University( hosted by Grand Prairie)
• BioWatch Regional Preparedness Drill
• National Fire Academy: Chemical Hazard Analysis for Risk- Based Response
SPECIAL OPERATIONS TRAINING
AFD maintains a range of highly trained Special Operations( Spec Ops) Teams, each with its own specialized mission and response capabilities. These elite units operate out of designated stations and require advanced certifications— many funded through the Urban Area Security Initiative( UASI). AFD’ s Spec Ops Teams include:
• Technical Rescue Team – Station 8
• Hazardous Materials Team – Station 6
• Dive Rescue Team – Station 7
• Swift Water Rescue Teams – Stations 7, 16, and 17
• Gas Well Response Teams – Stations 1 and 9
• Aircraft Rescue Firefighting( ARFF) Team – Station 12
ARLINGTON FIRE ANNUAL REPORT 2024 9