Fire Department Leadership Team

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.

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Fire Assistant Chiefs

Pedro Arevalo
Assistant Chief

Scott Hofstrom
Assistant Chief

Brent Shanklin
Assistant Chief

Medical Director Keegan Bradley

Dr. Keegan Bradley is a board-certified Emergency Medicine and EMS physician with extensive experience across prehospital care, tactical medicine, disaster response, and academic teaching. He currently serves as an emergency physician with Envision Physician Services and holds multiple EMS Medical Director roles across Texas, including in McKinney, Lucas, Pantego, and Arlington. Dr. Bradley serves as the Assistant Medical Director and a sworn deputy with the Collin County Sheriff’s Department. Dr. Bradley also serves in a disaster capacity as a Medical Team Manager for FEMA’s Texas A&M Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team, a Co-Medical Director for the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (Region 2), and a member of the Texas Governor’s EMS & Trauma Advisory Council on the EMS medical directors committee.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR TEAM FOR THE ARLINGTON EMS SYSTEM

This team brings a wealth of experience in emergency medicine, a commitment to excellence, and a shared vision for advancing our EMS system. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the development and implementation of EMS protocols to ensure alignment with best practices and the latest medical standards.
• Providing clinical guidance and support to AFD and AMR personnel to enhance patient care.
• Leading the design and delivery of Continuing Education (CE) programs to support the professional development of our EMS providers.
  
  Their expertise is instrumental in strengthening the collaboration between AFD and AMR, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional emergency medical services to our community.
  We are confident that under their leadership, our EMS system is reaching new heights of performance and professionalism

Public Information Officer/Community Services Officer

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
James.Evans@arlingtontx.gov

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.