On June 17, 2025, the Arlington Fire Department took a meaningful step toward recovery from the September 2024 interstate incident that damaged several of its vehicles. With a traditional push-in ceremony, the department welcomed its newest addition - Engine 72 - symbolizing progress, resilience, and a continued commitment to service. The ceremony also served as a dedication to Mayor Mike Wissman, recognizing his longstanding support of public safety and the community.

While fire apparatuses are often dedicated to firefighters lost in the line of duty, the tradition has evolved to honor leaders who’ve made lasting contributions. Arlington’s first known dedication was the engine lost in the I-40 collision, which had been dedicated to Chief Franks. Since then, the department has also dedicated its ladder truck to now-retired Assistant Chief McMillen. The arrival of Engine 72 not only strengthens the department’s capabilities—it also marks a moment of healing, respect, and forward motion for the Town.

Arlington has officially welcomed Patrick Loflin as the new Assistant Fire Chief for the Town of Arlington!

Chief Loflin joined the Arlington Fire Department in May 2025 and was formally sworn in at the June Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting (held at the Arlington Community Schools building due to construction at Town Hall). With Chief Loflin's 26 years of service at the Memphis Fire Department, his experience and leadership will be a great asset to our community. As an Arlington resident, this new role brings Chief Loflin closer to home. His extended family joined us at the Board meeting to celebrate this exciting next chapter.

Fire Prevention Week took place October 6th–12th, 2024. Fire departments across the country observe this important week to commemorate the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. And every year the TN State Fire Marshal’s Office hosts an annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest to promote fire safety awareness.

This year’s theme was “Smoke Alarms – Make Them WORK for You.”

Schools from across Tennessee submitted students' artwork, and we are proud to share that Arlington had 4 winners - three 1st place and 1 Commissioner's Choice award!

- 1 student from Donelson Elementary - Hannah Drace (art teacher: Natalie Morgan)

- 3 students from Arlington High - Thomas Ochoa, Ella Hawkins, and Maguire Jones (art teacher: Melanie Anderson)

These talented students were recognized at a special luncheon in Nashville by the TN Fire Commission and were also honored at the May Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. The AFD extends heartfelt congratulations to all the State winners, with a special shoutout to our hometown students and their incredible teachers for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to fire safety education.

Arlington said congratulations and farewell to Assistant Fire Chief James McMillen on January 17, 2025. Chief McMillen retired with 41 years in the fire service, including the last 19 years faithfully serving the Town of Arlington. He was the Town's first Assistant Fire Chief and fulfilled that role for most of his time here.

We wish Chief McMillen the best in retirement and thank him for his years of service that touched and impacted so many lives here. Enjoy your well-earned retirement sir!

Arlington Fire Department now has three Battalion Chiefs, which is a new position for the Town's Department. A fire department Battalion Chief (BC) is a senior level officer in a fire station. They are responsible for leading and managing a team of firefighters, coordinating firefighting operations, and ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the public, as well as developing and implementing departmental policies.

Three (3) AFD employees were promoted to Battalion Chief in the November 2024 promotion ceremony: William Geyer, Erik Ross, and Jody Winfield. We congratulate them all and wish them the best in their new roles.

Every year Fire departments across the country observe one week to mark the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office hosts an annual fire prevention poster contest to encourage fire safety. The theme selected for 2023 by the National Fire Prevention Association was “Cooking Safety Starts with YOU.” 

Schools from across the State entered their students’ posters for consideration.  The Town of Arlington was fortunate to have five 1st place winners this year: three from Arlington Middle and two from Arlington High.  AFD congratulates all the State winners, but sends an extra special congratulations to the winners from our schools (and to their teachers that encouraged, directed, and entered their artwork).

Our local Arlington winners will be recognized during the May Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, and again during an award luncheon in Nashville with State Fire Marshal Greg Farley on April 20th. Arlington's Fire Marshal, James McMillen, will attend both events to support our winning students. 

2023 winners from Arlington:

6th Grade - Emerson D.
7th Grade - Masen N.
8th Grade - Kennedy B.

10th Grade - Gabryela W.
12th Grade - Skye K.

Fire Prevention Week was October 9th –15th, 2022 this year. Every year Fire departments across the country observe this week to mark the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The year 2022 also marked the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office hosts an annual fire prevention poster contest to encourage fire safety. The theme selected for 2022 by the National Fire Prevention Association was “Fire won’t wait.  Plan your escape.” 

Schools from across the State entered their students’ posters for consideration.  The Town of Arlington was fortunate to have three first place winners this year: one each from Donelson Elementary, Arlington Middle, and Arlington High.  AFD congratulates all the State winners, but sends an extra special congratulations to the winners from our schools (and to their teachers that encouraged, directed, and entered their artwork).

Our local Arlington winners were recognized during an Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting and again during an award luncheon in Nashville with State Fire Marshal, Greg Farley. Arlington's Fire Marshal, James McMillen, was able to attend both events to support our winning students. 

2022 winners from Arlington:

1st Grade- Allison M.
6th Grade- Brooklyn D.
10th Grade- Maura F.

Arlington Fire Department still responds to brush fires in rural areas of Arlington. Shelby County, and surrounding areas.  The previous brush truck was totaled in March of 2020 after 22 years of service.  The Apparatus Committee compiled specifications for this replacement.  It is a custom-built brush truck with a high lift suspension for crossing the highway medians, embankments and accessing our rural farming areas.  The cost for this apparatus was $188,379.  We increased the pump capacity to flow 1 3/4" hose lines.  It has an onboard foam tank and plenty of storage for our tools and equipment.  We look forward to the next few decades using this new truck.

On October 29th, 2021, the Town of Arlington opened Fire Station 2 located at 12364 Donelson Road.  It is a 4.7M dollar, 13,000 sf facility designed by Allen and Hoshall Architect firm and built by ViktorHall Construction. It took almost 24 months to complete this project. 

Engine 72 and Brush Truck 72 respond from this station.  The station has the Department's first classroom capable of seating 24 students.  This is the first time in our Town's history where we are able to have two fully operational fire stations with all full time employees.

The Town of Arlington purchased a new Ford CA-1-500 gpm Fire Engine from the Central Fire Truck Corporation on August 21, 1950.  The Engine cost the Town $4,892.50. 

The Town still owns that first Fire Engine and we recently had it restored by Design Facilities. We are working to get new decals added along with new tires.  The hope is the Town will be able to use it for public relations and special events.