Arlington Professional Fire Fighters

10/22/2026

30 YEARS OF BROTHERHOOD, SACRIFICE & SERVICE!

Three incredible individuals. Three decades of dedication. A combined 90 years of commitment to the Arlington community.

Arlington Professional Firefighters Local 1329 is proud to recognize three of our brothers who are celebrating an extraordinary milestone of 30 years in the fire service this month!

Please join us in congratulating:

* Assistant Chief Brent Shanklin
* Captain Eduardo Saldivar
* Firefighter Bryan Friend

Thirty years is more than a career. It’s a lifetime of early mornings, sleepless nights, missed holidays, sacrifices made by families, and friendships forged through experiences that few outside the firehouse will ever fully understand.

Throughout their careers, these men have witnessed our profession evolve, shared their knowledge with younger generations, and helped strengthen the brotherhood that makes our fire family so special.

To these three individuals: Your dedication and sacrifices have left a lasting impact on those who have had the privilege of working alongside you. The years may pass, but the relationships built, lessons shared, and memories made will last a lifetime.

On behalf of your brothers and sisters of Local 1329, thank you for the example you’ve set, the sacrifices you’ve made, and the countless ways you’ve made a difference.

Congratulations on 30 years! We are proud to stand beside you and even prouder to call you our brothers.

10/16/2026

Want to join an aggressive fire department that takes pride in making the push?

At Arlington, we train hard, go interior when conditions call for it, and put service to our community first. Build your skills alongside dedicated firefighters and gain valuable experience under the leadership of seasoned officers.

Want YOUR last name on the back of an Arlington bunker coat? Here’s your chance.

Applications open October 26–November 9, 2026. Check out the recruiting information in the original post and take the next step.

10/16/2026

Please join Arlington Professional Firefighters Local 1329 in welcoming our newest members from Basic Training School (BTS) 46 & 47!

These firefighters didn’t just join Local 1329, they joined a movement. A brotherhood and sisterhood united in advancing fire and emergency services across the United States, Canada, and around the world.

Together, we stand for firefighter safety, the well-being of our members and their families, and the resources we need to serve our communities.

We’re proud to welcome you into our family. Your voices, dedication, and commitment will help carry our mission forward.

Welcome to Local 1329. Stronger together!

10/16/2026

Come join a great organization.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE! JOIN THE ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT!

Are you ready to turn your passion for helping others into a rewarding career? The Arlington Fire Department is looking for dedicated, motivated individuals who are ready to answer the call, serve their community, and become part of something bigger than themselves.

Our 2026–2027 firefighter hiring process is just around the corner!

📅 Applications Open: October 26, 2026

📅 Applications Close: November 9, 2026

Why Choose the Arlington Fire Department?

-4-person staffing on fire apparatus

-Non-transport EMS system

-Competitive benefits and retirement

-Career advancement and specialized training opportunities

-Paid training and an in-house Fire Academy

-Strong community support and appreciation for our firefighters

-The opportunity to make a difference in your community every day

-No prior firefighting or EMS certifications required

Whether you're just beginning your career or already have experience in the fire service, we encourage you to explore what the Arlington Fire Department has to offer.

Don't wait until applications open to start preparing! Visit our recruitment page to review eligibility requirements, upcoming testing dates, and details about the hiring process.

Have questions? All questions regarding the application and hiring process should be directed to the Arlington Fire Department Recruiting Lieutenant. Contact information can be found on our recruitment webpage linked below.

https://www.arlingtontx.gov/City-Services/Public-Safety/Fire-Department/Fire-Department-Recruitment/Firefighters-Recruitment

Your next chapter could start with us. Are you ready to answer the call?

10/08/2026

When we lose a brother or sister in the line of duty, we all feel the loss. No matter the miles between us, we are one fire family.

Arlington Professional Firefighters Local 1329 mourns alongside our brothers and sisters in Professional Firefighters of Durham. Our hearts are with the fallen firefighter’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters. We also pray for the injured firefighters as they recover.

There are no words that can ease this heartbreak. Please know your fire family in Arlington stands with you.

DURHAM FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

(DURHAM COUNTY, N.C) — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation received a request for assistance from the City of Durham Fire Department regarding an early-morning structure fire. Around 3:15 AM today, a 911 call reported a fire at 410 Marly Dr., Durham, NC. The first fire truck arrived at 3:21 AM, and smoke and flames were visibly coming from the structure. Firefighters began their work, and additional units were en route.

The structure is a multi-story commercial building that appears to have been used as a residence. Firefighters made entry into the building and began battling the blaze. At 3:31 AM, a portion of the building’s roof collapsed, causing the second floor to collapse as well. Multiple firefighters were on the roof and inside on the first floor during the collapse. Several firefighters on the first floor were trapped. As a result, one of the firefighters was killed in the line of duty, and two others were injured. The two injured were taken to Duke Medical Center for treatment. All occupants evacuated the building before the fire department arrived and were not injured.

The SBI’s Arson Unit was requested to investigate the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances of the fatality. The SBI has special agents on scene collecting evidence and investigating. The SBI will be the lead investigating agency for this event.

The following agencies responded and are working the event in some capacity:

— City of Durham Fire Department
— City of Durham Police Department
— Durham County EMS
— Durham County Sheriff’s Office
— Durham City/County Emergency Management
— Raleigh Fire Department
— ATF
— North Carolina OSFM
— SBI

This is an active and ongoing investigation, and additional information may be released by the SBI when available.

10/07/2026

Arlington, you showed up in a big way!

Thanks to the generosity of our residents and everyone who donated, Arlington Fire Department and Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Local 1329 raised $28,305.03 in just three days during this year’s MDA Fill the Boot campaign!

Your contributions help the Muscular Dystrophy Association support people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases, including providing children with unforgettable summer camp experiences at no cost to their families.

Thank you for filling our boots and making a difference. We are proud to serve such a caring and generous community!

09/29/2026

Today we remember Brother Jeff Saal, who died from occupational cancer six years ago today.

09/22/2026

09/19/2026

Today, we honor the fallen. 🇺🇸

Arlington Professional Fire Fighters Local 1329 is proud to stand alongside our brothers and sisters from across the nation at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs.

We are here to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, to support their families, and to ensure their legacy lives on.

To the families of our fallen brothers and sisters: You are forever part of our fire service family. You will never stand alone, and your loved ones will never be forgotten.

Their sacrifice. Our promise. Never forgotten.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Arlington City Council Members Brittney Garcia-Dumas, Arlington City Council District 5 and Mauricio Galante Arlington City Council District 1 for joining us in Colorado Springs. Your presence and support mean so much to our firefighters and the families of our fallen brothers and sisters. Thank you for standing alongside us as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

08/22/2026

As we prepare for next year’s legislative session, workers comp will be top of mind for our team at the Capitol. “Deny, delay, dispute” can no longer be the tactic for administrators.

"Maybe this is one of those times that we just need to be loud and make people hear us that they're not being treated fairly," she said.