Arizona Fire and Medical Authority

Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, often referred to as AFMA, is a fire authority in Maricopa County, Arizona. Comprising three fire districts that came together to form a Fire and Medical Authority, AFMA provides fire protection and emergency medical services to approximately 75,000 people in the communities of Sun City West, Buckeye, Tonopah, Sun Lakes, and Wittmann.[3]

Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
Operational area
CountryUnited States
StateArizona
CitiesSun City West, Buckeye, Tonopah, Sun Lakes, Wittmann
Agency overview[1][2]
Established2017
Annual calls18,270 (FY 21–22)
Employees122 Firefighters, 34 EMS personnel, 29 Administrative personnel, 50 Fire Corp volunteers (FY 21–22)
Annual budget$56,291,209 (FY 23–24)
StaffingCareer
Fire chiefMark Burdick
EMS levelALS
IAFF3573
Facilities and equipment
Battalions3
Stations12
Engines10
Trucks1
Ambulances16
Website
www.afma.az.gov
IAFF website

Overview

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In 2017, the North County and South County Fire & Medical Districts merged to form the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. This type of merger is known as a Joint Power Authority (JPA) in Arizona, which allows two or more public authorities to come together and share resources while maintaining control of their budgets and tax rates.[4] In 2022, it was announced that the Buckeye Valley Fire District would become the third fire district to join AFMA. The merger became official in 2023. The authority is run by the Authority Governing Board, with seven members. Two members from each district are appointed to the Board, with the last member being chosen by the Board.[citation needed]

The agency has gone through numerous mergers since its inception, and although Arizona Fire and Medical Authority remains the official name, battalions are still commonly referred to by their previous district names (North County, South County, Buckeye Valley, etc.). AFMA has recently been in talks with the Sun City Fire District (SCFD) in regard to a potential merger, with SCFD awaiting a study to determine its feasibility.[5]

Approximately 80% of Authority calls are medical. AFMA employs civilian EMTs and paramedics to staff their ambulances.

In 2014, North County became the first fire department in Arizona to receive an ISO Class 1 rating. South County followed suit with their own Class 1 rating in 2019.

The Authority is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).[6]

Stations and Apparatus

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AFMA has 12 stations and 3 administration buildings divided among 3 battalions. The main administration building is located in Sun City West.

Battalion 10 (Sun City West)

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Fire Station Number Address Engine Company Ladder Company EMS Medic Transport unit Command Unit Specialized Unit
Administration 18818 N. Spanish Garden Drive
101 19001 N. Camino Del Sol Engine 101 Medic 101 Battalion Chief 101
102 20622 N. Stardust Blvd Ladder 102 Medic 102
103 13431 W. Deer Valley Dr Engine 103 Medic 103 Brush Truck 103
104 24930 N. 119th Avenue Engine 104 Brush Truck 104, Water Tender 104
106 20303 W. Patton Road Engine 106 Medic 106 Brush Truck 106, Water Tender 106

Battalion 23 (Sun Lakes)

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Fire Station Number Address Engine Company Ladder Company EMS Medic Transport unit Command Unit Specialized Unit
Administration 25020 S. Alma School Road
231 25455 S. Sun Lakes Blvd Engine 231 Medic 231 Battalion Chief 231 Rehab 231
232 25020 S. Alma School Rd Engine 232 Medic 232

Battalion 32 (Buckeye Valley)

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Fire Station Number Address Engine Company Ladder Company EMS Medic Transport unit Command Unit Specialized Unit
Administration 18818 N. Spanish Garden Drive
321 4715 N. 189th Ave Engine 321 Medic 321
324 25206 W. MC85 Medic 324, Medic 325, Medic 327 Battalion Chief 321
326 19937 W. Arlington Rd Engine 326 Rescue 326 Brush 326, Water Tender 326
328 29938 W. Taylor St Engine 328 Rescue 328 Brush 328, Water Tender 328
341 36511 W. Salome Highway Engine 341 Brush Truck 341, Water Tender 341

References

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  1. ^ "Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Annual Report" (PDF). Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  2. ^ "Fiscal Year 2023‐24 Budget Adoption" (PDF). Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  3. ^ "Sun City Fire joint agreement study likely due in December". Daily Independent. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  4. ^ "Joint Powers Authority FAQ's" (PDF). Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  5. ^ "Sun City Fire District updates chief job description". Daily Independent. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  6. ^ "Accredited Agencies". Center for Public Safety Excellence. Retrieved November 22, 2023.