About the Fire Department

What We Do

• Emergency Services (Fire/EMS) which provides response for emergency and non-emergency requests for service
• Support Services which includes (High Threat, SWAT, HazMat, Special Events, Technical and Water Rescue), Fire Marshal (Code Enforcement, Fire Investigations, Bomb Squad, Fire Prevention, Education), and Communications and Logistics
• Personnel Services including the Fire Training Academy, Health/Wellness/Safety, and Human Resources functions

Who We Are

• 400 uniformed and civilian employees
• 9 fire stations
  • Staffed 24 hours per day with a minimum of 75 personnel.
    • Daily total of 9 engines, 7 ALS medic units (ambulances), 3 trucks, 2 rescues, 2 Battalion Chiefs, 2 Advanced Paramedic Officers, 2 Battalion Aides and 2 Fire Marshals
    • Additional peak time ALS medic unit
  • All hazards response, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials, swift water rescue, technical rescue and hazardous devices.
• Day Work Staff
  • Fire Prevention Office
  • Fire Training Academy
  • Emergency Communications Center
  • Office of Emergency Management
  • Fire Chief’s Office
  • Administrative/Support Services

Other Services

• Backup assistance for Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Fire Department (Ronald Reagan Airport located in Arlington), Ft. Myer military facility, and the Pentagon
• Mutual aid services to fire departments of Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.

How We Innovate

• Hired the first professional female fire-fighter in the nation in 1974.
• Partnered with the U.S. Public Health Service to develop the nation’s first Metropolitan Medical Strike Team, which responds to chemical, biological and radiological terrorist attacks.
• Earned a Class 2 Rating from the Insurance Services Office, the highest rating given to a Virginia fire department and one of only three such ratings awarded in the state. This rating lowers your insurance rate.
• After-Action Report describing the activities of Arlington County and the supporting jurisdictions, government agencies, and other organizations in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon.

Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

The Arlington County Fire Department protects lives and property. We commit to serving you with the same compassion, professionalism, and accountability we expect of ourselves.

Vision

To be the leading, innovative, community-focused public safety organization with a resilient and inclusive culture.

Values

Inclusive | A diverse, collaborative environment that maintains equity and ethical behavior.

Leadership | A humble commitment to the growth, wellbeing, and empowerment of employees.

Professionalism | Service delivery through reliability, trust, and training.

Integrity | Hold ourselves accountable by taking responsibility for our actions through honesty, consistency, and strong morals.

Transparency | Provide clear and easily accessible information to all stakeholders.

Pride | Maintain a sense of deep satisfaction and fulfillment for our achievements and contributions.