December Fire Dept. Coffee Club: Supporting Arlington County Fire Department

When you hear the sirens wail in Arlington County, Virginia, it might seem like just another day in the life of a firefighter. 

Yet behind every emergency call is a story — a story of dedication, resilience, and, every so often, extraordinary challenges.

Take the Arlington County Fire Department’s response to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Station 5, located just minutes from the site, became a central figure in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that shook our nation. Firefighters worked tirelessly to battle flames, provide medical aid, and support recovery efforts. 

That day remains a stark reminder of the vital role Arlington firefighters play, not only for its immediate community but on a national scale.

Today, the challenges continue, albeit in different forms. From responding to thousands of EMS calls in one of the nation’s most densely populated counties to standing ready for large-scale events at federal landmarks, Arlington County Fire Department stands out as a truly exceptional department. 

Through it all, their work extends far beyond fighting fires — they’re also champions of firefighter wellness and community engagement.

This December, Fire Department Coffee is proud to spotlight the Arlington firefighters as the beneficiaries of our Fire Department Coffee Club and Fire Department Shirt Club. Proceeds from this month’s subscriptions and sales will directly support ACFD’s Benevolent Fund, a vital resource for firefighters and their families during times of need.

This month’s coffee is dubbed “Honor & Valor,” which perfectly describes the way that Arlington County firefighters serve their community.

Every purchase through the Fire Dept. Coffee Club contributes $2, while each Fire Dept. Shirt Club purchase contributes $5. 

Every single dollar makes a difference.

A Fire Department That Makes History

Founded in 1940, ACFD operates nine fire stations with over 375 personnel. Each year, the department responds to more than 30,000 calls. From car crashes to medical emergencies and fires, their firefighters — who are all EMTs and, in most cases, paramedics — deliver professional and compassionate care.

But Arlington County isn’t just any urban environment. It’s a hub for corporate headquarters, federal landmarks, and high-rise buildings. Arlington County firefighters also support major events in the nearby nation’s capital, like next month’s presidential inauguration, making ACFD’s readiness critical. 

ACFD is an “all-hazards” department, meaning their expertise extends beyond fires and EMS. They also handle hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, and bomb squad duties with FBI-trained technicians. With a Class 2 ISO rating, they’re recognized among the most capable departments anywhere.

What truly sets ACFD apart, though, is its commitment to innovation and diversity. In 1974, the department made history by hiring the nation’s first professional female firefighter, setting a precedent for inclusivity that remains part of their culture today. They’ve also embraced the importance of both mental and physical health for firefighters.

Taking Care of Their Own

Firefighting is a demanding profession that takes a toll on both body and mind. That’s why ACFD prioritizes firefighter wellness through mental health resources, cancer prevention programs, and support for both firefighters and their families.

Central to their efforts is the Benevolent Fund, managed by the Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association. This fund provides financial assistance to firefighters and their families during times of crisis, covering unexpected expenses like medical bills, parking fees, and meals during hospital stays.

Captain Nathaniel Hiner, ACFD’s Public Information Officer, knows firsthand how life-changing the Benevolent Fund can be. Earlier this year, his 8-year-old twins fell gravely ill, after contracting a bacterial infection on a family vacation at nearby lake. 

Both children ended up at Children’s National Hospital in D.C. For weeks while the children received round-the-clock care, Hiner and his wife took turns staying at the hospital and occasionally decamping to a nearby hotel.

“The Benevolent Fund was a lifeline,” Hiner says. “It helped cover the costs we didn’t anticipate — things like parking, food, and other daily expenses — so we could focus on our kids’ recovery.”

Both children have since recovered, but the experience reinforced the importance of the fund for Hiner and his colleagues.

“It’s not just for big emergencies,” he explains. “It’s about supporting our firefighters and their families through any life-altering situation.”

A Partnership That Makes a Difference

The connection with Fire Dept. Coffee came about when Arlington County’s fire chief connected with a member of the Indianapolis Fire Department. They suggested that Arlington County Fire Department would be a great fit for partnering with FDC.

He was right.

The more we spoke to the team in Arlington, the more excited we got to collaborate with this incredible organization. And we know that our coffee-loving supporters will be just as excited.

December’s “Honor & Valor” coffee is a medium-dark blend of Ugandan and Brazilian coffee featuring notes of dark chocolate, blackberries, and vanilla. This exceptional coffee not only delivers a rich taste but also contributes to our mission of supporting our fellow firefighters.

The design on the coffee bag and the shirt truly represents the department, its history, and its reputation for selfless service. It depicts a firefighter fully geared up with a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, holding a hose in one hand and an American flag in the other. The image is set against the outline of the Pentagon.

It’s a design that we’re proud to wear in honor of Arlington firefighters past, present and future. We know you’ll be proud to wear it, too.

By subscribing to the Fire Dept. Coffee Club or purchasing December’s Shirt Club design, you’ll be contributing to the well-being of these brave firefighters. Whether it's a sick or injured firefighter or a family experiencing troubled times, every time you sip the coffee or pull on the shirt, you’re letting them know you’ve got their back.

We all have their back.

“This partnership highlights what firefighting is all about: community, camaraderie, and taking care of each other,” says Hiner. “If we can raise awareness of what first responders do and the sacrifices they make, we can inspire others to join us in making a difference.”

So we invite you to get it started by joining us this December to support the Arlington County Fire Department and their incredible team through the Fire Department Coffee Club and Fire Department Shirt Club.