Amarillo City Council approves establishment of Fire Marshal’s Office within the AFD

The Amarillo City Council approved a Meet and Confer Agreement Tuesday between the City of Amarillo and the Amarillo Professional Fire Fighters Association.

The agreement addresses the establishment of a Fire Marshal’s Office within the Amarillo Fire Department. In the past, the Fire Marshal’s Office has been both a stand-alone department and also part of the AFD.

“This agreement approved by the city council allows for the Fire Marshal’s Office to again be a division of the Amarillo Fire Department,” said COA Interim City Manager Andrew Freeman. “I would like to thank the APFFA executive board for their collaboration while working on this agreement that benefits both sides. It represents cooperation and cohesion between entities that are committed to public safety and to the welfare of the residents of Amarillo.”

The agreement specifies the duties of the Fire Marshal’s Office, including fire prevention, fire safety education, fire code inspection, fire investigation and arson investigation. AFD personnel will increase by nine positions within the Fire Marshal’s Office. Included in the agreement are provisions to bring over experienced staff from the Fire Marshal’s Office to provide continuity of service to the public and to help train other personnel with AFD.

“This agreement provides AFD with additional personnel within the Fire Marshal’s Office to handle these important responsibilities,” said APFFA President Todd Peden. “Ultimately, the goal for everyone involved is to ensure the safety of the public.”