1980s - 1990s

1980s

• Occurring in Nov. of 1980 was the arson fire at the Boy Scouts of America headquarters building.
• In December of 1982, the hazardous materials response team was placed in service.
• On March 4, 1983, Fire Marshal J. D. “Pistol” Mitchell retires from the Irving Fire Department. He was the first fire marshal for the City of Irving.
• The Central Fire Station was closed in 1984. It is currently being used by the Irving Professional Firefighters Association as a meeting hall and possible museum.
• On Feb. 28, 1984, James Pressnall, E4B, died in the line of duty at an apartment complex under construction.
• In May of 1984, there was the Murdoch Machine 4 alarm fire on West Highway 183.
• On Aug. 2, 1985, Delta Airlines Flight 191 crashes at the north end of DFW Airport, Irving Fire Department responds to a car hit by the plane on Highway 114 and to assist with the aircraft crash.
• In June of 1986, the free smoke alarm program started for residents that own their own home but cannot afford a smoke alarm.
• On Jan. 25, 1988, Wendell McCluer, T9C, died in the line of duty as he was assisting a motorist on the highway.
• On March 30, 1988, the City of Irving starts using enhanced 911 for all fire, police, and medical services.
• On Aug. 31, 1988, Flight 1141 crashes at the south end of DFW airport and Irving Fire Department responds.

1990s

• Chief Spillman retired in 1990 and Chief Richard Knopf was hired in July of 1990.
• In January of 1993, the High Angle Rescue Team (HART) was placed in service.
• In October of 1993, there was a major fire in a suite at Texas Stadium.
• Chief Knopf served until December of 1994, and Battalion Chief Mayfield was appointed interim chief until Chief Hickey was hired. In March of 1995, Jack Hickey was hired as fire chief after retiring from the Dallas Fire Department with almost 30 years of service.