ARLINGTON – Deputy Fire Chief Tom Cooper, Arlington’s second full-time firefighter and a founding captain in the department, is retiring June 29 after 32 years on fire crews.

Cooper first started working for the city as a volunteer firefighter in 1985. He was hired as Arlington’s second career firefighter in 1991 and became one of three promotions to captain in 1999 at a time when the department had none. He also took many turns as acting chief over the years.

Cooper was honored at a recent council meeting.

Fire Chief Bruce Stedman gave Cooper praise for his contributions.

“Honestly, Tom is the heart and soul of this department, and we’re really going to miss him,” Stedman said.

Before Stedman came on board, Cooper was one of the first people he spoke with. He said he knew instantly he liked and trusted him.

Arlington’s response to fires twice at National Foods and at Arlington Manor were among the major incidents that defined Cooper’s career.

The Oso landslide in March 2014 was another. During the first night, Stedman said there was a lot of confusion at the scene. First responders needed people in positions with great command and control skills, and an ability to stay calm while making tough decisions during a prolonged, difficult situation.

Cooper was the first person that came to his mind to send to Darrington, Stedman said. Response drew multi-agency high-level safety officers, medical groups and supervisors working together, who held their positions through the first week, and Cooper was among them.

“Tom did an incredible job,” Stedman said. “The communities have great respect for him, and they accepted the leadership that he provided.”

Cooper said he considered it an honor to have served the community.

“All I ever wanted to do was love my career so much that working with these fine people here, I can’t say enough about them,” Cooper said. “I’ll miss the department every day. I love this community.”

Stedman presented him with his deputy chief helmet and the badge he has worn for 14 years.

Mayor Barb Tolbert presented him with a congratulatory plaque on behalf of council and staff.