Stand here for a moment. Imagine the year is 1949. The Arlington Fire Department is just beginning. Before that, brave volunteers pulled a large hose reel to every fire. They hooked it up to the nearest hydrant. Fighting fires was a tough task.
Frank Shepard was a charter member and former Fire Chief. He remembered those early days. Marshall Herring and Sid Bailey were key in organizing the department. Sid Bailey became the first Fire Chief in 1949. He served until 1956.
The Arlington Fire Department needed a real fire engine. In 1950, the town approved buying a 1949 Ford Pumper. It cost $4,892.50. The town still owns this historic engine today.
Initially, the Arlington Fire Department was all volunteer. They had no official fire station. For three months, the engine lived in a small shed. Then, the town took over a building at 12047 Highway 70 due to unpaid taxes. This became the first official fire station. Its central location helped firefighters respond quickly.
The Arlington Fire Department grew over the years. In 1980, a new fire station was built on Douglass Street. The old station was eventually torn down. Paid dispatchers were hired in the early 1980s. Before 911, they answered alarms in 8-hour shifts.
September 4, 1985, marked a big change. The first 24-hour paid firefighters were hired. They worked in three shifts: A, B, and C. This schedule is still used today at the Arlington Fire Department.
In 1995, Chief Chris Campbell created an automatic aid agreement. The Shelby County Fire Department would help Arlington. Arlington would help Shelby County. This agreement remains in place.
The Arlington Fire Department has expanded its capabilities. Staffing increased from one person per shift to nine. New equipment and advanced training improved fire attack strategies. The level of service also increased.
In 2015, under Chief David Franks, the department hired its first three paramedics. This allowed the Arlington Fire Department to provide advanced life support. They purchased cardiac monitors, airway management kits, and medications. Citizens received the highest level of pre-hospital care.
In January 2020, Arlington added a second full-time company. They hired 12 new personnel. A new 107′ Pierce Quint, now called Truck 71, joined the fleet. Both Truck 71 and Engine 72 operated from the Douglass St station.
A new 13,000 square foot Fire Station 2 opened on October 29, 2021. It is located at 12364 Donelson Road. Engine 72 and Brush Truck 72 now respond from this station. Truck 71 and Shelby County Fire Department Ambulance Unit 71 stay at Fire Station 1.
The Arlington Fire Department is still growing. The town of Arlington is also growing. The department aims to be one of the best in the county. Members have become state-certified Instructors, Inspectors, and Officers. Some are even part of the FEMA US&R team, TN-TF1. They are always improving their skills. They want to be ready when needed.
Today, the Arlington Central Fire Station stands as a testament to dedication. It was originally built in 1926. The station’s design was unique due to the intersection of Broadway and Massachusetts Avenue.
In a major renovation, Boston Building & Bridge modernized the station. They retained its historical character. They also added new features. These included updated heating, electrical, and plumbing systems. A fitness center and training classroom were also added.
The renovated Arlington Fire Department earned LEED Gold certification. This shows a commitment to sustainability. The station remained operational during the renovation. It now accommodates 15 people. It houses administrative offices and five key pieces of equipment.
The Arlington Fire Department has come a long way from hose reels. It continues to protect and serve the community with pride.