Fire Chief Bret Stidham

Bret has more than 30 years in the fire service. He began his career with Dallas Fire-Rescue and spent time in every rank during his career there. In 2019, he was appointed to the rank of Executive Assistant Chief, Chief of Staff which was second in command. He left Dallas Fire Rescue after 29+ years to become the Fire Chief here in Arlington. Bret holds numerous certifications, including being a Texas Fire Chiefs Association Certified Fire Executive, Master Firefighter and Instructor III Master from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. In addition to graduating as a rescue specialist from Texas A&M Engineering Extension at Texas A&M University, he holds an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Administration from Weatherford College, a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Fire Administration from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas. 

Fire Assistant Chiefs

Medical Director Cynthia Simmons

The Medical Director for the Arlington EMS System (AEMS) is the physician responsible for comprehensive medical oversight of all clinical care provided in the EMS System. The Arlington EMS System includes the Arlington Fire Department and the ambulance contractor, American Medical Response. Dr. Cynthia Simmons, MD, FACEP has been the Medical Director for the Arlington EMS System since 2006. The system is comprised of over 600 individual providers and answers over 36,000 calls for service every year.

Dr. Simmons has provided medical oversight for the Office of Special Events within the Arlington Fire Department providing expertise in the medical operations of special events. As Medical Director, she has has responsibilities including medical operations plans for the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Superbowl XLV, the 2010 World Series in Arlington.

Dr. Simmons began her career in EMS in 1994 during her training as a resident in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Simmons grew up in El Paso, Texas and graduated with honors from Texas Tech University. Upon completing her undergraduate degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, she attended the UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. She then went on to complete a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Florida in Jacksonville. She returned to the DFW area in 1998 and has actively practiced Emergency Medicine in Arlington since then. Currently, she is an Attending Physician at the Medical Center of Arlington. She has served as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center teaching Emergency Medicine at Parkland Hospital. She serves as the Medical Director for the AEMS System and the Grand Prairie Fire Department, Public Health Authority for the City of Arlington, and a full time mom to two small children.

Eight areas of service are included in the responsibilities and duties of the Medical Director and comprise the clinical components of the EMS System: Clinical Practice of Medicine, Quality Improvement/Performance Assessment, Healthcare Provider Education, Regulatory Functions, Public Education and Outreach, Research, Advocacy, Practice Management and Collaboration.

Public Information Officer/Community Services Officer

Lieutenant Adam Evans

The Arlington Fire Department PIO is tasked with keeping the community, as well as the media, up to date with Fire Department safety messages, activities and incidents. The PIO must assure that the Arlington Fire Department’s vision is continually communicated to the men and women of the Arlington Fire Department.
Lieutenant Adam Evans
PIO / CSO
Arlington Fire Rescue
Office – 817-459-5511
email

Other Job Functions

• Developing and coordinating the Fire Department’s fire and multi-hazard life safety programs.
• Coordinating the scheduling of emergency response units for fire and life safety presentations with the Operations Division.
• Developing program objectives and performance measures, collecting and analyzing data and evaluating the effectiveness of programs.
• Developing and coordinating the release of information to the media concerning community projects and departmental activities by preparing press releases, arranging staff interviews and responding to media questions.
• Making presentations and communicating with all levels of the Department, educators, citizenry and the media and conducting public education programs.
• Prepare and produce brochures, pamphlets and other printed and visual material for distribution and or presentation both inside and outside of the Fire Department.
• Make recommendations regarding the budgetary needs for public education programs.
• Scheduling and coordinating press conferences, awards ceremonies, promotional ceremonies and other department activities.
• Representing the Fire Department during community programs and at public, social and business meetings.
• Ability to identify any all needed community hazard educational programs, providing consideration for a wide variety of ages and community diversity.

Department Chaplain

Apparatus Operator Brad Powell serves the role of Fire Department Chaplain. AO Powell has been a respected member of our fire department for over 13 years, demonstrating unwavering dedication and professionalism in his service. AO Powell received his degree from a Christian College in Oklahoma City and served as a youth pastor for 15 years before joining our department. AO Powell currently leads a middle school and small adult group at his church. His compassion and concern for others is clearly demonstrated in his Fire Service career. AO Powell serves our Department in a volunteer capacity. As Chaplain, AO Powell provides essential spiritual support to our members and will collaborate closely with our PEER team.
As Chaplin, he regularly attends department meetings, is active in Departmental communications and participates in various official functions and events. We recognize the importance of having Chaplain support for all members of our organization, including support for our retired Arlington Fire Department members. AO Powell works with the Police Department Chaplain and other area volunteers to meet the needs of our public safety team.