A body has been found in the waters north of the Key Bridge, according to D.C. Fire and EMS.
Arlington County firefighters assisted their D.C. counterparts in what was originally a water rescue, after a person was seen floating in the Potomac. It later deemed to be a recovery operation when the person was found deceased.
At this point it’s unclear when or how the person died.
Water rescue assignment Potomac River north of Key Bridge. Report of someone in the water. Land and water units investigating #DCsBravest
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) March 13, 2024
BODY FOUND— in the Potomac River 300 feet north of Key Bridge. Multiple agencies are attempting to recover now. #DCCrime @ARLnowDOTcom @HelicoptersofDC h/t @PenguinSix pic.twitter.com/8rhe4avomn
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) March 13, 2024
Update water rescue Potomac River north of Key Bridge. Sadly, this is a recovery rather than a rescue and is now an @DCPoliceDept matter. Thank you @ArlingtonVaFD & @usparkpolicepio Eagle helicopter for your assistance. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/IG54be0CWu
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) March 13, 2024
DC fire and police boats have recovered a body floating in the Potomac near key Bridge. pic.twitter.com/r1uoFy2k2Q
— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) March 13, 2024
A serious crash shut down part of Miliary Road in the Cherrydale neighborhood this afternoon.
The crash happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 2200 block of Military Road, a block from Dorothy Hamm Middle School.
Initial reports suggest that a sedan was driven into the back of a trailer parked on the side of the road.
One person was trapped in the car after the crash and was freed by Arlington firefighters, who used rescue equipment to cut off the vehicle’s roof.
The trapped person and a second vehicle occupant were taken to a local hospital via ambulance. Both had potentially serious injuries.
An early report that one person was unconscious after the crash could not immediately be confirmed.
Dan Egitto contributed to this report
About 1,000 Dominion customers in the Rosslyn area are in the dark tonight (Friday).
An outage, first reported around 6:30 p.m., has knocked out power to a number of large buildings and other parts of the neighborhood.
Firefighters were dispatched to the area around the time of the outage for stuck elevators and fire alarms. They found an issue within an apartment building’s electrical vault on the 1800 block of Key Blvd, according to scanner traffic.
“[The] whole Colonial Terrace neighborhood is blacked out,” one tipster told ARLnow just before 7 p.m.. “Turnberry Tower also appears to be blacked out. Fire and police activity blocking Key [Blvd].”
Dominion’s website lists a cause of the outage as an “equipment fire.” Restoration is estimated between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Outage Update in Roslyn:
1022 customers out due to underground switch failure.Most customers will get power back temporarily, until a crane arrives overnight or early am to pull out the vault for crews to finish the job as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience!🙏🏻
— Peggy Fox (@PeggyDomEnergy) March 9, 2024
An Arlington summer camp teaching teenagers firefighting skills could go up in smoke this year.
Camp Heat, which annually enrolls around 25 teens, is on the chopping block in the county’s budget draft. Cutting the free five-day camp to save $47,000 is part of a plan to maintain the Arlington County Fire Dept.’s current $76 million budget in Fiscal Year 2025.
“By eliminating Camp Heat, the Arlington community will lose a week-long summer camp opportunity for teenagers,” the budget says. “Also, the camp is a professional development opportunity for emerging leaders in the Fire Department who serve in coordinating and supervising roles at the camp.”
Activities at the summer camp include physical training and fire medical emergency simulations and meeting with female ACFD leaders. The program’s webpage highlights teamwork and gender inclusivity as key values. The camp was initially offered only to teen girls, but was opened up to boys a few years later.
In place of the camp, ACFD would “explore alternative ways” to conduct public outreach. Possibilities include CPR training, providing free smoke alarms and conducting school visits.
This is the first time the county has formally considered giving the ax to Camp Heat, which started in 2013, ACFD spokesman Capt. Nathaniel Hiner told ARLnow. He said camp enrollment has remained fairly consistent over the years.
The Arlington County Board is scheduled to spend the next several weeks finalizing the county budget, and Board members have given themselves some flexibility this budgeting cycle. Concerned about funding uncertainty in Arlington Public Schools, the Board authorized hearings on a 2.5 cent tax hike — 1 cent higher than the rate proposed by Arlington’s County Manager.
The union representing firefighters and paramedics, IAFF Local 2800, argues that a portion of that funding should go to boost ACFD’s budget. The union argues that low wages are responsible for the department’s current 7.5% vacancy rate.
Beyond Camp Heat, some other proposed cuts and sources of savings include:
- Eliminating the ART 62 bus route and combining the ART 53 and 61 routes — all low-performing routes in North Arlington ($665,553 savings).
- Contracting out an in-house dental clinic for low-income residents, which served 515 clients in the 2023 fiscal year ($165,581 net savings).
- Freezing a position in the Cultural Affairs Division that would further delay the opening of a public art facility at the former site of the famed Inner Ear Studios at 2700 S. Nelson St. in Green Valley — a project that is already several months behind schedule ($115,061 savings).
- Eliminating an outreach worker who provides therapy to patients with tuberculosis. The budget says 13 patients completed treatment according to county protocols in 2023 ($102,281 savings).
Arlington’s police and fire unions are vying for more funding in the county’s proposed $1.62 billion budget to fix compensation issues they say fuel attrition and vacancy issues.
County Manager Mark Schwartz, meanwhile, makes the case in the 2024-2025 budget that the county has been and is committed to meeting these problems with funding while balancing other budget priorities.
Since Arlington County authorized collective bargaining in 2022, the unions representing police, firefighters and paramedics have focused on tackling how members are paid, blaming it for driving employees to work for other jurisdictions in the region with higher compensation.
Currently, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2800 has 25 vacant uniformed positions, for a 7.5% vacancy rate, while ACPD has 72 vacancies, for a 19% vacancy rate, according to presidents for both IAFF and Arlington Coalition of Police (ACOP). IAFF says this is more than twice the number of vacancies in 2018, while police vacancies appear on par with ARLnow’s last report in the fall.
Last budget cycle, the county committed to a three-year effort to fix these problems for first responders. Union leaders say the county has contributed enough to change its pay system to one where salary increases track with years of service. Still, they say, it has not set aside enough to ensure all members are paid according to their years of service.
“Last April, the County Board identified addressing pay compression for firefighters as a priority for FY25 but our members are still waiting for relief,” IAFF Brian Lynch said in a statement. “Meanwhile other communities are responding to the nationwide shortage of firefighters and police officers by increasing wages across the board, and our people have been voting with their feet.”
The 2025 budget proposes a 2% increase over last year’s budget for ACPD, for a total of $85,839,546. The fire department’s budget is unchanged from last year for a total of $76,023,512. The budget includes step increases for ACOP and IAFF employees in line with their collective bargaining agreements.
“Our employees are the foundation of all the great work that we do in the County,” Schwartz says in his budget message. “This budget continues our commitment to the collective bargaining agreements (CBA) in place and provides pay increases for non-bargaining employees… We will continue to evaluate various job classifications and contribute to the increases in healthcare costs.”
Still, the 2025 budget acknowledges that understaffing is impacting public safety metrics, at least for ACPD. Between 2020-23, received cases increased from around 6,800 to north of 8,400, but assigned cases hovered around one-quarter to one-third of these totals. During the same time, the percentage of successfully closed cases dropped from a high of 60% to a low of 48%, attributed to an understaffed Criminal Investigative Section.
The fire department’s budget section does not discuss understaffing impacts. It does note that the total number of incidents has and will continue to increase, partially driven by more hospital transports and public service non-emergency responses.
These trends may fuel intradepartmental shortages. Lynch says this spring ACFD will lose 13 personnel to an accelerated paramedic training program and six to teach a new class of recruits. Vacancies in emergency services will also increase by 19 as ACFD pulls firefighters from the field to train them to also be EMTs and medics.
“That’s with no one leaving the department,” he said. “That is over 13% of the bargaining unit — an unprecedented lack of personnel.”
Arlington’s public safety drones are ready to fly, the county announced this morning.
The drones “are an additional tool for first responders and provide enhanced operational capability, safety, and situational awareness in support of public safety,” the county said.
Members of the police department, fire department, Sheriff’s Office and emergency management department have been trained on use of the miniature aircraft.
More on the program, below, from the county press release.
Arlington County’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is now operational following a period of policy development and training.
UAS, commonly referred to as drones, are an additional tool for first responders and provide enhanced operational capability, safety, and situational awareness in support of public safety. The deployment of UAS will be conducted by trained members of the Arlington County Fire Department, Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management. This technology complements the existing in-car and body-worn camera systems used to document digital recordings of public safety activity.
Community Engagement
Prior to implementation, the program sought community feedback on draft Unmanned Aircraft System policies to ensure they were reflective of the Arlington Community’s values, interests, and concerns. The program strives to provide the level of service that is not only expected but reflective of this community and appreciates all who took the time to read, review, and provide feedback. All comments were reviewed and evaluated for incorporation into the policies.
For additional information on policy changes based on community feedback, visit the program webpage.
Final Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policies
- Police Department
- Sheriff’s Office
- Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management
- The Fire Department’s policy is pending finalization. Once complete, it will be available on the UAS program website.Â
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
An Arlington firefighter noted for his problem-solving ability, passion for the community and conspicuous moustache has received statewide recognition.
Lieutenant Henry Spencer was just named Virginia Firefighter of the Year, the Arlington County Fire Department announced today.
The seven-year ACFD veteran was promoted to lieutenant in November thanks to his leadership and instructional abilities. He’s also noted for his volunteer work at a local food bank and at Arlington Public Schools.
More, below, from an ACFD press release.
Lieutenant Henry Spencer of the Arlington County Fire Department has been named the Virginia Firefighter of the Year as part of the 2023 Governor’s Fire Service Awards.
The Governor’s Fire Service Awards, established in 2002 as a formal recognition of excellence in Virginia’s fire service, are facilitated by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board.
Lt. Spencer has demonstrated an ability for complex problem-solving, unwavering commitment, and a passion for the community throughout his seven-year tenure with the Arlington County Fire Department. His diverse background encompasses specialized operations, continuous professional advancement, and active community engagement.
“We are extremely proud of Henry, and the amazing work he has done to this point in his career,” said Arlington County Fire Chief David Povlitz. “Henry is an exceptional leader, who serves the community with passion, excitement, and sets the tone for others to follow.”
Through his involvement in department-wide committees and as a mentor to new team members, Lt. Spencer has significantly enhanced professional development within ACFD. His recent promotion to lieutenant in November 2023 underscores his exceptional leadership and instructional abilities.
In 2023, he was a co-chair for the department’s mentorship program and was nominated as a spokesperson within his cohort for Leadership Arlington, a leadership development program.
Lt. Spencer has made significant contributions to community outreach and education, including teaching the department’s hands-only CPR program (Hands2Hearts), volunteering at a local food bank, and regular involvement in the Arlington County Public School’s reading programs.
Lt. Spencer’s exceptional problem-solving, academic dedication, and steadfast commitment to professional and community engagement make him an invaluable asset to the Arlington County Fire Department.
Roads are closed around the Key Bridge Marriott in Rosslyn after a fire in the vacant hotel.
Firefighters responded to the site at 1401 Langston Blvd around 8:30 p.m. and found fire on the fourth floor, according to ACFD.
The blaze was reported to be extinguished just after 9 p.m., though firefighters were still working to ventilate residual smoke and search the building.
Nearly a year ago, the discovery of a large number of squatters in the building prompted a large police response to the former hotel. Perimeter security was subsequently stepped up.
In November a security guard was charged after allegedly shooting a teen who was part of a group that was trespassing at the site.
A planned redevelopment of the hotel has been stalled due to financial problems at the California-based developer.
Update at 10:50 p.m.:Â The fire department has largely cleared the scene and roads have reopened.
UPDATE: Units arrived on scene to find fire on the 4th floor of the structure. The fire has been extinguished. Crews are working on ventilation efforts and secondary searches of the entire building.
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) February 22, 2024
@ARLnowDOTcom @connormaj wow huge emergency response at the key bridge Marriott pic.twitter.com/VDbwlfBxWb
— Cap’s Year (@CapsYear) February 22, 2024
HOTEL FIRE— the old Key Bridge Marriott at 1401 Langston Blvd in Arlington. The fire was reported on the 4th floor. The building is supposed to be vacant. h/t @PenguinSix cc: @ARLnowDOTcom pic.twitter.com/4KyFpSf8re
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) February 22, 2024
Report of a fire on the fourth floor of the Key Bridge Marriott building that is supposed to be vacant. @ArlingtonVaFD on scene. @ARLnowDOTcom @matthewyoung31 #arlington #firefighters pic.twitter.com/ubDqktRTWX
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) February 22, 2024
Update at 8:45 p.m. — Columbia Pike is back open.
Update at 5:50 p.m. — The gas leak has been stopped, the fire department said just after 5:30 p.m. Columbia Pike remains closed to traffic, however, according to traffic cameras.
FINAL: Gas has been secured and all FD resources are going in service. No further hazard exists.
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) February 15, 2024
Earlier: A portion of Columbia Pike is blocked for an extended period of time due to a gas leak.
The Pike is closed between S. Wayne Street and S. Barton Street, near Penrose Square, due to the leak. Roadway construction was in progress at the time the leak was reported.
The Arlington County Fire Department is on scene. The closure is expected to stretch on for several hours, according to scanner traffic.
“Avoid the area,” ACFD said. The closure is causing significant delays on the Pike, with traffic to the west reportedly backing up past Glebe Road.
A gas leak and road closure happened in the same general spot in June 2023.
Units are on the scene of a natural gas leak in the area of Columbia Pike & S Adams St. Columbia Pike between S Wayne and S Barton St will be closed in both directions. Expect traffic disruptions and avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/QoaST1SAXm
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) February 15, 2024
LOCATION: Columbia Pike / S Adams St
INCIDENT: Fire Department Activity
IMPACT: Traffic has been closed in both directions on Columbia Pike from S Wayne St to S Barton St. Seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/uZOyl8pTkP— Arlington Alert (@ArlingtonAlert) February 15, 2024
The Pike is closed for a big gas leak @ARLnowDOTcom lots of police & fire. Overheard a cop say they were waiting on a contractor. pic.twitter.com/fZDu8tiTCH
— Rob Link (@RobBobLink) February 15, 2024
(Update at 11:50 a.m.) Police and firefighters investigated a suspicious package in Courthouse this morning.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to a lower floor of the office building at 2111 Wilson Blvd shortly before 10 a.m. A larger bomb squad response was later requested to the scene.
Arlington County police said two floors of the building were evacuated and other occupants were being asked to shelter in place.
CONTINUED: The investigation is ongoing. Expect continued public safety presence in the area.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 15, 2024
The all-clear was given as of 11:15 a.m., per ACPD.
FINAL: The all clear has been given and the package was determined to be non-hazardous. The partial evacuation and shelter in place have been lifted.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 15, 2024
Photo via Google Maps
Update at 7:50 p.m. — The bomb squad has given the “all clear,” per scanner traffic, and units have started leaving the scene.
FINAL: The investigation determined there was no credible threat and the all clear was given. Road closures and the building evacuation have been lifted.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 4, 2024
Earlier: Arlington County’s bomb squad is investigating a “suspicious vehicle” at a Crystal City office building.
The Saturday evening incident has prompted a massive police and fire department response to the building at 2231 Crystal Drive. It started as some sort of a police investigation around 4 p.m. and escalated to include all available ACPD units and the ACFD bomb squad around 6 p.m.
The bomb squad response was expanded around 6:45 p.m.
In a social media post, Arlington County police said they’re investigating “a suspicious vehicle in a parking garage” and the building has been evacuated. Crystal Drive and a portion of 23rd Street S. are closed in the area.
No additional details about the incident were immediately available.
CONTINUED: The following road closures are in place during the ongoing investigation:
Crystal Drive between 20th St. S. and 23rd St. S.
Additionally, eastbound traffic on 23rd St. S is closed in the area.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 4, 2024
— TheNateAbraham (@N8abraham) February 3, 2024
Crystal Dr. shut down between 20th and 26th Sts. S. And another photo pic.twitter.com/WSpS6CXBjO
— Jonathon Hauenschild (@TheDiscipulus) February 4, 2024