Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department

12/18/2020

TAFD wishes everyone a Merry Christmas. Please keep safety in mind during all your activities, don't let a tragedy ruin your holiday.

12/08/2020

We are often quick to ask the Lord for help but slow to give praise when prayers are answered, not TAFD. Thank you Lord for bringing Captain John Alquist back to work today. John spent 6 days in the hospital and over a month off battling Covid-19. It is great to have him back.

12/04/2020

Prayers from TAFD for this man and his family.

One of our brothers needs your prayers.

Captain Michael Clark was admitted to the hospital last night for complications related to COVID. Mike is a tough guy and we are looking forward to his returning to work soon.

We ask that you take time right now to pray for Mike’s quick recovery. We ask that you pray for his wife Judith and their young family, and we ask that you pray for the medical staff that is looking after him.

11/25/2020

TAFD would like to congratulate Firefighter Cole Roberts on completing his probationary period. Cole's badge was pinned by his grandfather Jesse Badgett.

11/19/2020

Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department's cover photo

11/03/2020

Our prayers go out to Shon Matthews' family and all Lifenet personnel.

Earlier today we learned about the unfortunate passing of one of our own. LifeNet Paramedic Shon Matthews had worked in our Texarkana Division since October of 2007.

During his 48 years on this earth, Shon led a life devoted to service above self in everything he did.

Prior to working for LifeNet, Shon spent nearly two decades working at Alumax Mill Products, as both union president and a finishing operator before a family accident inspired Shon to change career paths.

Within a few months of the accident, Shon joined the Booker Bridge Volunteer Fire Department in Miller County, Arkansas, as a first responder. Shortly thereafter, he also became part of the first responder team at the mill where he was working full-time. Through the training he took at the mill, Shon met a paramedic working at LifeNet who told Shon he was a “natural” fit for EMS and encouraged him to consider a career as a paramedic.

Shon decided to start EMT school and began working for LifeNet EMS part-time in 2007 as an EMT while continuing his education to become a paramedic.

In March of 2009, Shon joined LifeNet full-time, and a few years later, he was promoted to a field training officer role. He quickly proved himself as an asset in that position, and in May of 2013, when one of the company’s Operations Managers (OMs) was deployed overseas, Shon was selected to temporarily fill that role for nine months.

When it was time for Shon to return to his role working as a ground paramedic, the LifeNet Air medical helicopter in Texarkana had a position open. Shon was asked to fill-in as a flight medic.

Shortly thereafter, Shon was asked to help his family start a business. He briefly stepped away from a full-time career in EMS. During that time period, Shon still worked call-in-relief for LifeNet as a paramedic.

After six months working in the family business, he realized his heart wasn’t in the business, it was in EMS.

In June of 2016, Shon was offered a full-time role as a flight medic on LifeNet Air. It was a job he had dreamed about having since starting in EMS. Less than a year later, a full-time opening came up for an Operations Manager (OM) role.

“I spent a few weeks doing some soul searching before applying because it was always my dream to be a flight medic,” he said in a 2019 interview. “But I’ve also always been taught that if you want to make a positive change, you have to try to get in the roles to make a positive change, so I applied for the OM position.”

In August 2016, Shon was promoted to OM for LifeNet’s Texarkana Division, while also continuing to work as needed on the LifeNet Air medical helicopter.

In 2019, Shon’s dedication and commitment to doing whatever the company needed to take care of patients and to serve the community inspired his colleagues to nominate him for the Star of Life award. That summer, Shon represented LifeNet in Washington D.C. at the American Ambulance Association’s Star of Life event. During the trip, Shon posted so many selfies on social media of him across our Nation’s Capital, that he earned the nickname “The Selfie King”.

In the summer of 2020, Shon was promoted to Area Manager, where he was responsible for overseeing LifeNet’s operations in Morris and Cass Counties.

When Shon was not working full-time in one of the aforementioned roles, he was working to both educate the community on safety and to also build the next generation of EMS professionals. In addition to teaching ground schools to local first responders for LifeNet Air, Shon also taught BCLS, ACLS, ITLS, PEPP, and pediatric first aid. Additionally, he was an instructor in the EMT and Paramedic programs at Texarkana College.

Outside of EMS, Shon was a devoted family man. He adored his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Nicole and Derek.

Shon was also an active member of Fairland Holiness Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher.

His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those he worked with that will never be filled. The positive memories he leaves behind him through his dedication to serving others will help heal our hurt as time goes on and we mourn his passing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss.

10/23/2020

TAFD would like to congratulate our 2020 Firefighter's of the Year; Engineer Josh Moore, Firefighter Rodney Watkins, and Firefighter Clark Hicks. These firefighters performed admirably in saving the life of a child struck by two vehicles. Their professionalism and dedication to training showed through at this incident and we are proud they are a part of our department.

10/14/2020

TAFD would like to thank the staff at Kid's Castle for providing breakfast to the crew on Friday the 9th. Kid's Castle is a great business that has always supported the Fire Department. You can't beat eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy for breakfast. They also provided fruit for the firefighters with delicate digestive systems.

10/06/2020

Congratulations to Matthew Gilley, Reece Jones, and Kaleb Lee for their recent graduation from the AR Fire Academy. We wish them all a long and successful career.

10/02/2020

Emergency Help Needed for a Family in Need, organized by AMBER HINES

TAFD extends our deepest condolences to this family. May God bring them peace in the days to come. Please help if you can.

Their house caught on fire and they have lost everything.. along with losing a… AMBER HINES needs your support for Emergency Help Needed for a Family in Need

09/14/2020

TAFD would like to thank Texarkana Jeep Junkies for the water donation. Water is always needed and we appreciate this organization thinking about us.

09/01/2020

The Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department is seeking sealed bids on a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle has 144,016 miles and was in use till recently. The vehicle can be viewed at 416 E. 3rd St. by appointment only. Please contact Chief David Fletcher at 870-779-4956 to schedule viewing appointments. All bids must be submitted in writing and received by 5 p.m. October 2nd. Bids must be sealed and marked on the outside of the envelope with “Vehicle Bid” and sent to the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department, C/O David Fletcher, PO Box 2711, Texarkana, TX 75504 or dropped off in person at 416 E. 3rd Street. Bids will be opened October 5th at the Fire Department Admin. office. The Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department’s sealed bid process ensures that bidders will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, sex, or national origin. TAFD reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

08/17/2020

Applications for this year's Civil Service Exam are now available. They can be picked up at 416 E.3rd St. or downloaded at http://arkansas.txkusa.org/?page_id=707.

08/14/2020

TAFD would like to congratulate Firefighter Brett Suggs on completing his probationary period. Brett's badge was pinned by his beautiful fiancée Chelsea Ivy.

08/13/2020

TAFD would like to congratulate Firefighter Gary Carter on his recent retirement! Gary served the City for 20 years. Enjoy your retirement Gary and good luck in your future endeavors.

08/05/2020

The Texarkana, Arkansas Fire Department is seeking sealed bids on a 2009 John Deere X300 Riding Mower. The engine runs fine but the body and deck need work. It will be sold "as is". The mower can be viewed at 2901 Sanderson Lane by appointment only. Please contact Chief David Fletcher at 870-779-4956 to schedule an appointment. All bids must be submitted in writing and received by 5 p.m. August 14th, 2020. Bids must be sealed and marked on the envelope with "Mower Bid" and sent to the Texarkana, Arkansas Fire Department, C/O David Fletcher, PO Box 2711, Texarkana, TX 75504 or dropped off in person at 416 E. 3rd St. Bids will be opened August 17th at the Fire Department Admin Office. TAFD reserves the right to reject any bids.

06/30/2020

My Pig Radio

Fire Marshal Jim Wall talks about fireworks safety on My Pig Radio.

Let’s have a safe #JulyFourth Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department The complete intervie: https://bit.ly/TAFD_Safe

06/22/2020

TAFD would like to clarify our responsibilities concerning public firework displays. City Ordinance L-257 states that the Fire Marshal has the sole authority to issue permits for these displays. Criteria considered before issuing a permit is purposefully limited to the following.
1. Does the proposed site meet the requirements of limiting risk of injury to people?
2. Does the proposed site provide minimal risk of damaging property?
3. Is the company handling the fireworks properly licensed?

Other factors are generally not considered in order to provide fairness to all applicants.

06/15/2020

TAFD would like to congratulate Firefighter Brandon Kidd on completing his probationary period. Brandon's badge was pinned by his beautiful wife Megan with the assistance of Ryder and Dawson.

06/03/2020

TAFD has been busy over the last week doing our annual hose testing. All hose is subjected to higher than normal pressures to make sure it is ready when needed. Bad hose is culled out and replaced.

05/18/2020

TAFD would like to congratulate Firefighter Clark Hicks on completing his probationary period. Clark's badge was pinned by his wonderful wife Lindsay.

05/12/2020

Director Odom cared deeply for and always supported the employees of the City of Texarkana, AR. He was a great man that will be missed.

It is with great sadness to announce Travis Odom, former Ward 4 Director, passed away yesterday. He was elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 to the Board of Directors and resigned his position in January 2020. Director Odom has served this City well with his dedicated service, devotion, and commitment to the citizens of Texarkana, Arkansas.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

05/06/2020

TAFD would like to thank the Oaklawn Rotary Club, and especially Mrs. Ina McDowell, for providing lunch to the crew on May 5th. You can't beat fajitas from Zapata's on Cinco De Mayo day. The Oaklawn Rotary Club is a fine example of a volunteer organization that does countless things to make Texarkana a great place to live.

05/06/2020

Hand sanitizer has been a priority for TAFD over the last couple of months. We would like to thank Texarkana Hose and Gasket for donating a 5 gallon jug to keep us stocked. Texarkana Hose and Gasket is a great company to do business with. They are located at 1320 Old Post Rd..

05/04/2020

Texarkana Arkansas

Texarkana Arkansas

ATTENTION CITIZENS

Yard waste service and recycling will resume on Wednesday May 13, 2020.

Office of the City Manager

05/01/2020

Our prayers go out to Captain Joe Bunting's family and the Texarkana, TX Police Department.

It's with a broken heart that we share the passing of Texarkana Texas Police Captain Joe Bunting, who died unexpectedly at his home after work last night.

Joe served law enforcement for over 40 years - including 35 years of exemplary service with our department. He held the rank of captain for the last 19 years of his career. He had previously worked for the Stephen F. Austin University and Nacogdoches Texas Police Departments. He was also a Marine Corps veteran.

During his devoted service to this department, Joe served as a Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Office of Professional Responsibility, City Marshal, Uniform Services Commander, Investigative Services Commander, and Interim Chief of Police.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Alice Bunting, and three sons, Joey, Sam, and John - as well as his brothers and sisters at the Texarkana Texas Police Department.

Please keep Joe’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this most unexpected loss.

Rest in Peace, Captain Bunting…

05/01/2020

Beech Street First Baptist Church

Please keep our department Chaplain, Craig Jenkins, in your prayers. Brother Craig is an invaluable member of our department and we look forward to his recovery and return.

Please share this video on your Facebook feed.

04/29/2020

Taking the Fifth

The Coronavirus pandemic has limited some of our multi-company training but individual companies are still working to keep their skills sharp.

Texarkana, Arkansas, firefighters train Tuesday morning, entering and exiting a fifth-floor window of a property in downtown Texarkana that is being restored into apartments.

04/23/2020

Miller County Office of Emergency Management

Miller County Emergency Operations Center Update 04/23/20

04/08/2020

Miller County Office of Emergency Management

Miller County Emergency Operation Center update 04/07/2020

04/08/2020

TAFD would like to thank Mayo Manufacturing for providing our firefighters with washable, reusable masks. Mayo is a fine example of the many great companies in the Texarkana area.

03/23/2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

TAFD would like to assure the citizens of Texarkana, AR that we will still be responding to all requests for assistance during this crisis. We have made some changes to our protocols but these will be mostly transparent to our citizens.

TAFD would also like to recommend that you obtain your news on the COVID-19 virus from reliable sources. The rumor mill is misleading at best and dangerous at worst. We recommend the following sites:

Local Emergency Operations Center- http://coronatxk.org/672/Coronavirus-Disease-2019

AR Department of Health- https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus

Centers for Disease Control- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.

03/20/2020

Texarkana Arkansas Parks

In an effort to reach more citizens, we are doing a donation drive for supplies for our senior citizens. All donations will go to senior citizens living in the city limits of Texarkana, AR. In return, we will be giving away free hot dog lunches.

Monday March 23
11:00am -1:00pm

We will be set up in the alley behind City Hall at 216 Walnut Texarkana AR. Drive through, drop off, and pick up a lunch!

Items needed:
Canned goods
shelf stable items (rice, dry beans, crackers, peanut butter)
bread
cleaning supplies
hand sanitizer
soap
bottled water
coffee/creamer

All donations are tax deductable and the city will provide a letter.

03/19/2020

Texarkana Arkansas

Texarkana Arkansas

To the Citizens of Texarkana, Arkansas

In and effort to see all of our citizens through this crisis Dollar General will reserve store hours for at-risk shoppers such as senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

They are asking for customers to honor the reserved hours of 8-9 a.m. each day, until further notice. This will allow our senior population to also acquire needed necessities as we continue to navigate through these troubling times.

They want to thank the community in advance for their compassion and understanding toward their neighbors and for helping them maintain these temporary operation guidelines.

Office of the City Manager

03/17/2020

Texarkana Arkansas

Texarkana Arkansas

PSA from the office of the City Manager - The boil ban on water has been lifted for all Texarkana, Arkansas residents.