Title
Redeployment of Fire Department Resources
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee with an update on the Fire Department’s plan for the redeployment of Squad 29 to Fire Station 41.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Fire Station 72, located at 33027 N. Cave Creek Road, opened in 2010 to address deficiencies in emergency service delivery within north Phoenix. Due to fiscal constraints associated with the Great Recession, Fire Station 72 was opened and continues to operate with Squad 29's personnel and equipment. Squad 29 is one of three identical assets within the Squad/Heavy Rescue Program that can perform unique technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, fireground support, extrication, and advance life support capabilities.
Since Squad 29 has been located at Fire Station 72, the assigned team of five personnel co-staff an engine company to provide fire suppression services to northeast Phoenix. This deployment model has resulted in excessive coverage issues that have impacted overall emergency service delivery.
The Fiscal Year 2022-23 General Fund Budget adopted by the City Council included the addition of fifteen sworn positions and one new pumper to provide dedicated staffing and apparatus for Fire Station 72. With the permanent staffing and resource at Fire Station 72, the Fire Department has an opportunity to assess the optimal placement of Squad 29 for efficient response coverage aligned with their mission to respond and recover from major incidents in high-threat and high-density urban areas.
Through its established labor-management process, the Fire Department, evaluated a variety of options for the redeployment of Squad 29. After a comprehensive evaluation, the decision was made to redeploy Squad 29 to Fire Station 41, located at 2501 W. Morningside Drive. Redeployment of Squad 29 to Fire Station 41 provides the greatest citywide coverage of this asset and best aligns with its mission. In the evaluation process, consideration was given to the north Phoenix construction of the $40 billion Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) facility. TSMC is one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers and, once operational, TSMC will be one of Arizona’s largest consumers of hazardous materials.
In summary, the redeployment of Squad 29 to Fire Station 41 enables the Fire Department to continue to provide outstanding services to the growing needs of north Phoenix.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Fire Department.