Arlington Nebraska Volunteer Fire Department

06/14/2026

🚒 GET TO KNOW OUR RIGS 🚒

This week’s featured apparatus is 520, one of our dedicated grass rigs!

520 plays a vital role during grass, field, and wildland fires, allowing our firefighters to access areas that larger apparatus can’t always reach. Whether it’s a fast-moving field fire or a fire threatening nearby structures, this rig helps us get water where it’s needed quickly.

We purchased 520 used in 2007, and it has been a dependable part of our fleet ever since. Over the years, it has responded to countless calls and continues to serve our community when conditions are at their toughest.

Next time you see 520 rolling out of the station, you’ll know it’s heading to help protect fields, property, and lives.

Stay tuned for the next of our “Get to Know Our Rigs” series!

06/07/2026

🚒 Get To Know Our Rigs – 561 🚒

This week we’re featuring 561!

561 is a 2007 Chevy pickup that originally came from the Nebraska Forestry Service. We acquired the truck in 2018 and gave it a fresh start by painting and servicing it to fit the needs of our department and community.

Over the years, 561 has become a very important support vehicle for our crews. It carries:
🔥 Our cascade system
🧪 Hazmat containment equipment
🦺 Our RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) bag

561 also serves as our “chaser truck” when extra manpower or equipment is needed on scene. Whether it’s assisting at fires, supporting operations, or bringing additional resources to our firefighters, this truck plays a big role behind the scenes helping keep our crews safe and prepared.

Next time you see 561 out and about, give our volunteers a wave! 👋🚒

05/31/2026

🚒 Rig Spotlight of the Week: Tanker 540 🚒

This week we’re featuring one of our workhorses — Tanker 540!

This 2012 Freightliner holds roughly 2,000 gallons of water, making it a critical asset for water supply operations, especially in rural areas without hydrants.

Tanker 540 has a bit of history with our department too — one of our members actually drove it home from fire school back in May 2013 when it was a brand-new demo unit!

Inside, it’s equipped with a variety of essential tools to get the job done, including:• Hard suction lines• Drop tank• Small pump• Hydrant tools

From hauling water to supporting fireground operations, Tanker 540 plays a vital role in keeping our community protected.

Stay tuned for next week’s Rig Spotlight! 👨‍🚒

05/28/2026

Training last night at the station focused on ladder operations and safety. 🪜🚒

Our crew reviewed proper ladder placement, carrying techniques, climbing procedures, and teamwork during fireground operations. Regular training like this helps keep our firefighters prepared, confident, and ready to respond when our community needs us most.

A big thank you to all of our volunteers who continue to dedicate their time to learning and improving their skills.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Their courage, selflessness, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we enjoy will never be forgotten. We are grateful for their sacrifice to our country.

From all of us at the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department, we extend our deepest gratitude to our fallen heroes and their families.

May we never forget their sacrifice. ♥️🤍💙

05/24/2026

🚑 Rig Spotlight: Ambulance 510 🚑

This week, we’re highlighting Ambulance 510 as part of our Get to Know Our Rigs series!

Delivered brand new in 2017, this unit is extra special to our department—it was designed by our own members and took over a year to build. Throughout the process, our team stayed closely involved, helping shape the layout and features to best fit the needs of our crews and community. The design wrap was specifically designed by our EMT Kenzie Bovill!

Ambulance 510 is a 4x4 unit, allowing us to respond in all types of conditions and terrain. Inside, it’s packed with thoughtful features that make a real difference on calls—soft blue cabinet lighting for better visibility at night, a built-in child seat for safer transport of younger patients, and a blanket warmer to provide comfort during cold-weather emergencies and help warm IV fluids when needed.

Additional upgrades include a powerful spotlight to assist with locating addresses and scene visibility, along with carefully selected equipment—including a trialed and chosen cot system—to ensure our crews have the best tools available.

Fully equipped with all the lifesaving equipment needed for medical emergencies, Ambulance 510 represents a major step forward in both capability and patient care for our department.

Stay tuned as we continue showcasing the rigs that help keep our community safe! 🚒💙

05/19/2026

05/17/2026

🚒 Rig Spotlight: 560 – Manpower Unit 🚒

This week in our Get to Know Our Rigs series, we’re featuring Unit 560, our dedicated manpower unit!

Built on a 1998 International chassis, 560 plays a critical support role on scene—especially during extended or large-scale incidents. This unit is packed with essential equipment to support both operations and firefighter safety, including:

• Generator for on-scene power• 6 air packs and masks• Extrication tools• Water rescue gear – helmets, rope, and life jackets• Thermal imaging cameras

But 560 isn’t just about tools—it’s also about taking care of our crew. Equipped with a powerful heater, this unit provides a place for firefighters to warm up on cold nights, rehab during long incidents, and grab a bottle of water before getting back to work.

Unit 560 is a key piece of our response, ensuring our firefighters have the equipment, support, and recovery space they need to operate safely and effectively.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting the rigs that help serve and protect our community! 🚒💙

05/14/2026

We’re honored to officially introduce the new Chaplain team for the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department 🚒 Our Chaplain Committee worked hard on developing what this looks like for our department and working together to serve the community, and our department!

Please join us in welcoming:

• Pastor Randy Sanders
• Pastor Rick Kanoy
• Pastor Jason Duley

These pastors will serve as a source of encouragement, support, and care for our members and their families through both the good days and the challenging ones. We are grateful for their willingness to stand beside our department and community.

Thank you all for answering the call to serve in this important role. ❤️🤍🚒

05/10/2026

🚒 Rig Spotlight: Pumper/Grass Rig 531 🚒

Next up in our rig spotlight series is Engine 531—a unique and versatile piece of Arlington’s fleet!

Built in 1991 and placed into service with Arlington in 2012, 531 came to us from the Nebraska Forestry Service and has been a reliable workhorse ever since.

This rig is equipped with 4x4 off-road capabilities, making it a go-to for grass and field fires where terrain can be challenging. It carries 600 gallons of water and also assists on structure fires, giving it flexibility when we need it most.

531 features two interior seats along with two open-air riding positions in the rear, allowing firefighters to quickly access equipment and stay ready for action.

It may be one of our older rigs, but it’s still a favorite among members—and for good reason. It’s dependable, capable, and honestly… just a lot of fun to take out!

Stay tuned for more rig spotlights as we continue to showcase the tools and equipment that help us serve our community. 🔥