The Southlake Fire Department once again achieved accredited status from the Center for Public Safety Excellence/Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CPSE/CFAI), marking their fifth consecutive accreditation.

 This prestigious recognition highlights our exceptional commitment to high standards, continuous improvement, and operational excellence in fire service. The accreditation process involves a rigorous on-site evaluation every five years by a peer assessment team of fire service professionals from across the country. Departments are evaluated across 11 key categories, 46 criteria, and more than 250 performance indicators to ensure alignment with national best practices.

 Achieving this accreditation places Southlake among an elite group of fire departments nationwide and reaffirms our dedication to delivering the highest level of service to our community.

Congratulations to the members of Southlake Fire, including Interim Chief Jeremy Wilson, Battalion Chief Jonathan Castro, and Accreditation Manager Roland DeGraauw for their leadership and management of this intensive process.

From January 12-16, 2025, the Southlake Fire Department will be hosting an Accreditation Assessment Team from the Center for Public Safety Excellence/Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CPSE/CFAI). This team will be composed of four peer assessors from other Fire Departments throughout the country.

The accreditation process is a means of establishing industry-wide measures to determine and evaluate the level of overall organizational performance. Once every five years, the Fire Department is required to go through an on-site peer assessment to determine the departments’ ongoing compliance with 11 main categories. Contained within the 10th edition FESSAM categories are 46 criterions, each of which is further broken down into 250 detailed performance indicators. The result creates what is known as the “self-assessment manual” for fire services.

The assessment will be conducted at our FD Headquarters with the Fire Chief's Conference Room serving as the primary file validation and verification location. Assessors will start arriving on Sunday, January 12, 2025, and depart by the afternoon of Thursday, January 16, 2025. In addition to file validation and verification, the assessors will be conducting interviews, tours of our city, facilities, and mutual aid locations.

The Fire Department is looking forward to hopefully receiving a recommendation of reaccreditation by the peer assessment team for its 5th five-year term.

Southlake Fire crews recently attended Baylor Grapevine’s quarterly/Annual EMS Awards luncheon, in which two Southlake Fire Department crews were recognized.

Baylor Grapevine awarded the “STEMI of the Year Award” to Field Training Officer JP Adams and Firefighter/EMT Landon Beck.  This amazing award recognizes the incredible work and coordination between our EMS providers and the hospital staff during a crucial time-sensitive heart attack on July 20^th of this year.

Because of the rapid pre-hospital care and early notification to the hospital, the patient received definitive cardiac treatment 28 minutes after our crew first contacted him, and was discharged home the next day.  Firefighter/EMTs Spencer Johnson and Brady Tackett, and Lieutenant Ryan Sessums were also recognized, but unable to be present for the award.

Another Southlake crew was awarded Baylor Grapevine’s CPR of the Quarter Award from a September 20th cardiac arrest call.  That patient went into cardiac arrest at a public recreational facility and was resuscitated in place until he regained a pulse. The patient was transported to the hospital, where he recovered for about two weeks, before being discharged home.

The award celebrated Firefighter/Paramedic Chase Villarreal, Firefighter/EMT Colby McSpedden, FTO Nic Miles, and Lieutenant Frank Molinets for their efforts during the call.

Last week, Firefighters Virginia Allen and Jack Stewart returned to the Southlake Fire Department after completing Tarrant County College's 14-week fire academy. Both firefighters passed the state's basic firefighter certification exam and are excited to begin their careers as Firefighter/Paramedics.

At last Friday's fire academy graduation ceremony, Firefighter Stewart was recognized as TCC Fire Academy class 105's Top Recruit. The Tarrant County College Fire Academy "Top Recruit Award" is voted on by the academy instructors and given to the most outstanding recruit graduating from the fire academy. The award recognizes the individual who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout their training in academics, physical fitness, leadership, and overall firefighting skills.

Southlake Fire is proud of the work that Firefighter Stewart and Firefighter Allen have put in during their academy and how they represented the Southlake Fire Department. We are excited to bring them onto shift, where they will continue to study their craft and will protect the citizens of Southlake for years to come.

Please join us in welcoming Firefighter Stewart and Firefighter Allen.

The Southlake Fire Department has achieved the 2024 Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus level recognition award, presented by the American Heart Association, for the third consecutive year. This accolade underscores the department's unwavering commitment to delivering rapid, evidence-based treatment to individuals suffering from severe heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives.

Mission: Lifeline EMS® is a national initiative by the American Heart Association aimed at improving the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive conditions such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program seeks to minimize barriers to prompt treatment, starting from the moment 911 is called, through EMS transport, and continuing with hospital care and discharge. Effective care for these patients necessitates seamless coordination between prehospital providers and healthcare systems.

Early 2019 was the last time a badge pinning ceremony was held for new and promoting firefighters, marking the milestones in careers for firefighters, both new and old. The ceremony is a rite of passage in the fire service, explained Chief Michael Starr, who leads the Southlake Fire Department. “However, the pandemic affected these ceremonies as we protected our staff and the ones they love.”

Over two days, the Southlake Fire Department welcomed family and friends to the largest pinning ceremony in the department’s history, the first held since the pandemic reached Texas.

Nine promotions and sixteen new Southlake firefighters were celebrated in ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday. The department hired 21 firefighters during the pandemic. The new firefighters took their oath of office Monday evening at DPS Headquarters in the bay of Station 1.

“The oath of office is making an oath to protect the citizens; protect both life and property,” Starr said. During the ceremony, the firefighters had their badges pinned on their uniform by a person of their choosing, whether that be a family member, friend, or colleague. “It’s a recognition of the fact that they completed a rigorous process,” Chief Starr said. “They went through the hiring process and completed the orientation, and now they’re issued their badge that they’ll keep for their career and will only be changing when they promote.”

Deputy Chief Jeremy Wilson describes the pinning ceremony as symbolic of becoming part of the Southlake Fire Department team. He was pinned as the Deputy Fire Chief during Monday’s ceremony. “I have been through a pinning ceremony before in my career, but each one is special as it marks a new adventure and a new commitment; not only to the fire service but to the citizens of the City you are serving.”

Firefighter Nathan Alderson, previously a Southlake Public Works employee, worked hard to prepare himself for transfer and acceptance into the Southlake Fire Department. Alderson stated he knew, “this is what I need to do, this is where I belong, I belong in the Southlake Fire Department.”

Wilson feels that holding the pinning ceremony says a lot about the department, especially since they chose to include previous firefighters who could not experience their ceremonies during the pandemic.

The evening after, battalion chiefs, lieutenants, and apparatus operators who received promotions during the pandemic showed up at DPS Headquarters in the bay of Station 1 for their pinning ceremony. The devoted loved ones gathered to see them officially promoted to the next rank. Many veteran firefighters downplay the event, thinking it is not a big deal, but being able to share their accomplishments with their family members, friends, and younger fire service members spreads joy, pride, and excitement among all those who attend.

Tuesday’s ceremony celebrated two battalion chiefs, three lieutenants, and four driver/engineers who had been promoted since the pandemic.

“The pandemic was rough on everyone. Some things stood still, some things changed, and some things got pretty busy… but through it all, each and every member of my fire department staff provided the world-class service we are expected to give,” said Starr. “And even though some members were not able to be officially recognized at the moment due to the pandemic, it is my pleasure to give them that moment now, with all their loved ones present, happy and healthy.”

 

 

Those who took the oath include:

Firefighter Nathan Alderson

Firefighter Johnathan Badder

Firefighter Dylon Barber

Firefighter Doug Carel

Firefighter James Harris

Firefighter Jimmy Hoover

Firefighter Jonathan Hurley

Firefighter Hayden Lavell

Firefighter Allen Moreno

Firefighter David Ruble

Firefighter Brady Tackett

Firefighter Chase Villarreal

Firefighter Kamry Weber

Deputy Chief Jeremy Wilson

Firefighter Taylor Wines

Firefighter Tanner Yeaman

Promotions Include:

Battalion Chief Clif Altom

Battalion Chief Bryan Thomas

Lieutenant Jimmy Elliott

Lieutenant Daniel Lyons

Lieutenant Jason Moloney

Driver/Engineer Kevin Barry

Driver/Engineer Cody Brazelton

Driver/Engineer David Hill

Driver/Engineer J.W. Stone

Early 2019 was the last time a badge pinning ceremony was held for new and promoting firefighters, marking the milestones in careers for firefighters, both new and old. The ceremony is a rite of passage in the fire service, explained Chief Michael Starr, who leads the Southlake Fire Department. “However, the pandemic affected these ceremonies as we protected our staff and the ones they love.”

Over two days, the Southlake Fire Department welcomed family and friends to the largest pinning ceremony in the department’s history, the first held since the pandemic reached Texas.

Nine promotions and sixteen new Southlake firefighters were celebrated in ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday. The department hired 21 firefighters during the pandemic. The new firefighters took their oath of office Monday evening at DPS Headquarters in the bay of Station 1.

“The oath of office is making an oath to protect the citizens; protect both life and property,” Starr said. During the ceremony, the firefighters had their badges pinned on their uniform by a person of their choosing, whether that be a family member, friend, or colleague. “It’s a recognition of the fact that they completed a rigorous process,” Chief Starr said. “They went through the hiring process and completed the orientation, and now they’re issued their badge that they’ll keep for their career and will only be changing when they promote.”

Deputy Chief Jeremy Wilson describes the pinning ceremony as symbolic of becoming part of the Southlake Fire Department team. He was pinned as the Deputy Fire Chief during Monday’s ceremony. “I have been through a pinning ceremony before in my career, but each one is special as it marks a new adventure and a new commitment; not only to the fire service but to the citizens of the City you are serving.”

Firefighter Nathan Alderson, previously a Southlake Public Works employee, worked hard to prepare himself for transfer and acceptance into the Southlake Fire Department. Alderson stated he knew, “this is what I need to do, this is where I belong, I belong in the Southlake Fire Department.”

Wilson feels that holding the pinning ceremony says a lot about the department, especially since they chose to include previous firefighters who could not experience their ceremonies during the pandemic.

The evening after, battalion chiefs, lieutenants, and apparatus operators who received promotions during the pandemic showed up at DPS Headquarters in the bay of Station 1 for their pinning ceremony. The devoted loved ones gathered to see them officially promoted to the next rank. Many veteran firefighters downplay the event, thinking it is not a big deal, but being able to share their accomplishments with their family members, friends, and younger fire service members spreads joy, pride, and excitement among all those who attend.

Tuesday’s ceremony celebrated two battalion chiefs, three lieutenants, and four driver/engineers who had been promoted since the pandemic.

“The pandemic was rough on everyone. Some things stood still, some things changed, and some things got pretty busy… but through it all, each and every member of my fire department staff provided the world-class service we are expected to give,” said Starr. “And even though some members were not able to be officially recognized at the moment due to the pandemic, it is my pleasure to give them that moment now, with all their loved ones present, happy and healthy.”

 

 

Those who took the oath include:

Firefighter Nathan Alderson

Firefighter Johnathan Badder

Firefighter Dylon Barber

Firefighter Doug Carel

Firefighter James Harris

Firefighter Jimmy Hoover

Firefighter Jonathan Hurley

Firefighter Hayden Lavell

Firefighter Allen Moreno

Firefighter David Ruble

Firefighter Brady Tackett

Firefighter Chase Villarreal

Firefighter Kamry Weber

Deputy Chief Jeremy Wilson

Firefighter Taylor Wines

Firefighter Tanner Yeaman

Promotions Include:

Battalion Chief Clif Altom

Battalion Chief Bryan Thomas

Lieutenant Jimmy Elliott

Lieutenant Daniel Lyons

Lieutenant Jason Moloney

Driver/Engineer Kevin Barry

Driver/Engineer Cody Brazelton

Driver/Engineer David Hill

Driver/Engineer J.W. Stone

Early 2019 was the last time a badge pinning ceremony was held for new and promoting firefighters, marking the milestones in careers for firefighters, both new and old. The ceremony is a rite of passage in the fire service, explained Chief Michael Starr, who leads the Southlake Fire Department. “However, the pandemic affected these ceremonies as we protected our staff and the ones they love.”

Over two days, the Southlake Fire Department welcomed family and friends to the largest pinning ceremony in the department’s history, the first held since the pandemic reached Texas.

Nine promotions and sixteen new Southlake firefighters were celebrated in ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday. The department hired 21 firefighters during the pandemic. The new firefighters took their oath of office Monday evening at DPS Headquarters in the bay of Station 1.

“The oath of office is making an oath to protect the citizens; protect both life and property,” Starr said. During the ceremony, the firefighters had their badges pinned on their uniform by a person of their choosing, whether that be a family member, friend, or colleague. “It’s a recognition of the fact that they completed a rigorous process,” Chief Starr said. “They went through the hiring process and completed the orientation, and now they’re issued their badge that they’ll keep for their career and will only be changing when they promote.”

Deputy Chief Jeremy Wilson describes the pinning ceremony as symbolic of becoming part of the Southlake Fire Department team. He was pinned as the Deputy Fire Chief during Monday’s ceremony. “I have been through a pinning ceremony before in my career, but each one is special as it marks a new adventure and a new commitment; not only to the fire service but to the citizens of the City you are serving.”

Firefighter Nathan Alderson, previously a Southlake Public Works employee, worked hard to prepare himself for transfer and acceptance into the Southlake Fire Department. Alderson stated he knew, “this is what I need to do, this is where I belong, I belong in the Southlake Fire Department.”

Wilson feels that holding the pinning ceremony says a lot about the department, especially since they chose to include previous firefighters who could not experience their ceremonies during the pandemic.

The evening after, battalion chiefs, lieutenants, and apparatus operators who received promotions during the pandemic showed up at DPS Headquarters in the bay of Station 1 for their pinning ceremony. The devoted loved ones gathered to see them officially promoted to the next rank. Many veteran firefighters downplay the event, thinking it is not a big deal, but being able to share their accomplishments with their family members, friends, and younger fire service members spreads joy, pride, and excitement among all those who attend.

Tuesday’s ceremony celebrated two battalion chiefs, three lieutenants, and four driver/engineers who had been promoted since the pandemic.

“The pandemic was rough on everyone. Some things stood still, some things changed, and some things got pretty busy… but through it all, each and every member of my fire department staff provided the world-class service we are expected to give,” said Starr. “And even though some members were not able to be officially recognized at the moment due to the pandemic, it is my pleasure to give them that moment now, with all their loved ones present, happy and healthy.”

 

 

Those who took the oath include:

Firefighter Nathan Alderson

Firefighter Johnathan Badder

Firefighter Dylon Barber

Firefighter Doug Carel

Firefighter James Harris

Firefighter Jimmy Hoover

Firefighter Jonathan Hurley

Firefighter Hayden Lavell

Firefighter Allen Moreno

Firefighter David Ruble

Firefighter Brady Tackett

Firefighter Chase Villarreal

Firefighter Kamry Weber

Deputy Chief Jeremy Wilson

Firefighter Taylor Wines

Firefighter Tanner Yeaman

Promotions Include:

Battalion Chief Clif Altom

Battalion Chief Bryan Thomas

Lieutenant Jimmy Elliott

Lieutenant Daniel Lyons

Lieutenant Jason Moloney

Driver/Engineer Kevin Barry

Driver/Engineer Cody Brazelton

Driver/Engineer David Hill

Driver/Engineer J.W. Stone

During the September 20 City Council meeting, the Southlake Fire Department, along with City Response Personnel and Mutual Aid Response, were recognized for their recent actions and pre-planning efforts regarding the DalDen Corporation fire.

On August 17, crews responded to a fire incident at 4285 T.W. King Road. The DalDen Corporation is a manufacturing company for hazmat chemical filling and packaging.

Due to the severity of the fire and the presence of chemicals, a total of four alarms were requested. Other resources in use that day include:

• Northeast Fire Department Association (NEFDA) HAZMAT and Rescue companies.
• Emergency Management for logistical support.
• Public Works for assistance with the mitigation of HAZMAT.
• Police for assistance with traffic control, evacuations, and scene security.

 

Approximately 75 fire personnel arrived at the scene to combat the fire.

“Thanks to the pre-planning process and working with different departments and agencies, the fire was under control within 90 minutes,” Southlake Fire Chief Mike Starr said during the City Council presentation.

The pre-planning process played a significant role in containing the fire at DalDen Corporation. Before firefighters began putting out the fire, crews identified onsite chemicals and investigated how they would respond to water to avoid any reactions. Crews were also able to bring in equipment from Public Works to build dirt damns and stop the flow of hazardous run-off into creeks.

By implementing these procedures, the City and all partners can take precautionary measures and respond to emergencies effectively and efficiently.

“We enhance our response by our mutual aid part of the NEFDA group,” said Chief Starr, “Most of the cities are part of our NEFDA resources, and we trained with them constantly to make sure that we understand their capabilities; they understand our capabilities, and we had those specialty resources.”

“We had everybody from Public Works to PD to the building department,” Chief Starr said. “Our City team really steps up.”

To learn more about the City of Southlake’s Elements for Effective Fire Response, please watch the City Council presentation online.

During the September 20 City Council meeting, the Southlake Fire Department, along with City Response Personnel and Mutual Aid Response, were recognized for their recent actions and pre-planning efforts regarding the DalDen Corporation fire.

On August 17, crews responded to a fire incident at 4285 T.W. King Road. The DalDen Corporation is a manufacturing company for hazmat chemical filling and packaging.

Due to the severity of the fire and the presence of chemicals, a total of four alarms were requested. Other resources in use that day include:

• Northeast Fire Department Association (NEFDA) HAZMAT and Rescue companies.
• Emergency Management for logistical support.
• Public Works for assistance with the mitigation of HAZMAT.
• Police for assistance with traffic control, evacuations, and scene security.

 

Approximately 75 fire personnel arrived at the scene to combat the fire.

“Thanks to the pre-planning process and working with different departments and agencies, the fire was under control within 90 minutes,” Southlake Fire Chief Mike Starr said during the City Council presentation.

The pre-planning process played a significant role in containing the fire at DalDen Corporation. Before firefighters began putting out the fire, crews identified onsite chemicals and investigated how they would respond to water to avoid any reactions. Crews were also able to bring in equipment from Public Works to build dirt damns and stop the flow of hazardous run-off into creeks.

By implementing these procedures, the City and all partners can take precautionary measures and respond to emergencies effectively and efficiently.

“We enhance our response by our mutual aid part of the NEFDA group,” said Chief Starr, “Most of the cities are part of our NEFDA resources, and we trained with them constantly to make sure that we understand their capabilities; they understand our capabilities, and we had those specialty resources.”

“We had everybody from Public Works to PD to the building department,” Chief Starr said. “Our City team really steps up.”

To learn more about the City of Southlake’s Elements for Effective Fire Response, please watch the City Council presentation online.