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.

On September 15, at 3:32 PM, the Southlake Fire Department was called to a possible structure fire in the 1200 block of Fanning Street. The first unit arrived on the scene at 3:39 PM.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke showing from the roof. Additional fire units were immediately requested, and a working fire was declared. Firefighters first attacked the home's attic to extinguish the fire quickly but then had to evacuate due to the instability of the structure's roof.

Fire crews moved outside to protect surrounding homes and continue fire suppression efforts. The fire was under control at approximately 5:30 PM and was fully extinguished at 10:04 PM. Southlake fire crews remained on the scene throughout the night on fire watch to prevent the rekindling of the fire.

One person was injured in the fire and transported to the hospital. There were no firefighter injuries. The fire is under investigation.

The following cities provided Mutual Aid: Keller, Westlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Hurst, and Roanoke.

On September 15, at 3:32 PM, the Southlake Fire Department was called to a possible structure fire in the 1200 block of Fanning Street. The first unit arrived on the scene at 3:39 PM.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke showing from the roof. Additional fire units were immediately requested, and a working fire was declared. Firefighters first attacked the home's attic to extinguish the fire quickly but then had to evacuate due to the instability of the structure's roof.

Fire crews moved outside to protect surrounding homes and continue fire suppression efforts. The fire was under control at approximately 5:30 PM and was fully extinguished at 10:04 PM. Southlake fire crews remained on the scene throughout the night on fire watch to prevent the rekindling of the fire.

One person was injured in the fire and transported to the hospital. There were no firefighter injuries. The fire is under investigation.

The following cities provided Mutual Aid: Keller, Westlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Hurst, and Roanoke.

On Tuesday, February 8, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court honored Southlake Fire Inspector and Investigator Angie Lopez for her assistance with an investigation for the Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Lopez utilized her investigative skills by serving as a translator to Spanish-speaking couples taken for thousands of dollars in a wedding-reception scam.

Her skills, hard work, and dedication helped bring about a successful outcome for the Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office.

“There’s not a challenge that Inspector Lopez will not take on.” Southlake Fire Chief Mike Starr said. “Her skills and desire to help others allows her to respond to any situation with understanding and compassion, which builds trust and bridges the gap between authorities and victims.”

At the March 1, 2022, Southlake City Council meeting, Lopez was also honored for her efforts. She has worked as a fire inspector for the City for seven years.

 

They are the first responders to arrive on a scene. They assist with the injured, visit our schools and are a beloved staple in the community. Kids look up to them and grownups want to be them. Some would even refer to them as our first real-life heroes. They are our local firefighters.

When it comes to implementing the City’s values of integrity, accountability, innovation, excellence and teamwork, the Southlake Fire Department sets the standard.

The staff is comprised of highly-trained individuals who specialize in fire prevention services emergency response, emergency management, public outreach and education and community risk.

Since firefighters are more than likely to be the first responders who arrive on the scene, training is essential.

In 2020, our firefighters accrued 14,000 hours in fire training, 4,000 hours in EMS training and 6,000 hours in professional development.

“We are required to do a certain amount of training by regulatory agencies once you become certified in both fire and EMS,” Deputy Chief of Operations Kurt Hall said.

Not only does Southlake Fire’s commitment to serving the community speak volumes, but their commitment to excellence is displayed through accolades and award-winning achievements.

“We are internationally accredited through the commission of fire accreditation international. We’ve also been awarded a grade of one through the insurance services office, so we are an ISO Class 1,” Hall said.

Southlake Fire also received the 2020 CPSE/CFAI Accreditation based on internal performance metrics and best practice measures. They were one of 10 agencies in the world to complete this accreditation.

Apart from earning some of the highest credentials in the industry, keeping citizens safe is a top priority.

According to the 2020 Southlake Fire Department Annual Report, Southlake Fire:

• Responded to fires in under 6.35 minutes 90% of the time, which is above industry standards.
• Responded to 3,210 calls for service.
• Saved $5 million in property.
• Dispatched EMS in 45 seconds, 90% of the time.
• Battled six structure fires in the City of Southlake.
• Fought 21 structure fires in other jurisdictions.

Southlake Fire is also a member of the Northeast Fire Department Association (NEFDA), which allows citizens of Southlake to have access to the resources of 14 other jurisdictions.

“We are a member of that association to create and to provide specialized rescue training to the community. Most fire departments require individual teams and these 14 cities have come together to cost share. It gives us access to specialty team rescue type training like high angle rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, technical rescue, which is structural collapse,” said Hall. “The additional training allows the employees themselves to focus on what they enjoy. When you do something you enjoy, you always provide a higher quality, a greater focus and you do a better job.”

Our firefighters also offer training and free resources through public education and outreach programs such as CPR training, fire extinguisher training, child safety seat installations and household hazardous waste disposal through a partnership with Fort Worth Environmental.

They also offer station tours for small groups and organizations.

“I think what separates the Southlake Fire Department from any other fire department is the fact that we hire employees that truly care about what they do. They want to provide a high-quality world class service to the community, and they do it in a professional manner,” Hall said.

For more information about Southlake’s Fire Department, please visit www.CityofSouthlake.com/Fire.

 

As part of the City’s overall commitment to set world-class standards and exceed expectations, the Southlake Fire Department is proud to announce they have been re-accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CPSE) by unanimous vote.

The Southlake Fire Department is one of only 10 agencies in the world to complete their fifth cycle of accreditation and is one of only 11 agencies in the state of Texas to be accredited through CPSE.

“It is an honor to receive this type of recognition for the high-performance standards we have set for ourselves,” City of Southlake Fire Chief Michael Starr said. “This is proof of our dedication to be the best and provide superior safety and security services as we protect Southlake.”

In January, assessors from CPSE and the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CPSE/CFAI) reviewed the Fire Department for compliance with their 10 major categories and 252 performance indicators. Accreditation occurs every five years. The accreditation is a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation model that enables organizations to examine past, current and future service levels along with internal performance metrics for best practice measures.

The City of Southlake is proud to raise the standard for fire departments around the work with strict application of code and regulation by the highest trained and accredited professionals.