As the Scottsdale Fire Department celebrates its 20th anniversary, the city is reaffirming its commitment to public safety with major investments aimed at ensuring the department remains one of the most responsive and advanced in the region.

The city’s adopted fiscal year 2025/26 budget outlines a strategic and collaborative effort to support fire and emergency medical services, reflecting the combined work of the Scottsdale Fire Department, City Manager’s Office, City Treasurer and multiple city departments — backed by strong leadership from the Mayor and City Council.

“These investments are a direct reflection of our city’s leadership and their steadfast commitment to public safety,” said Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “Thanks to this partnership, we’re able to meet the growing demands of our community with the highest level of emergency response.”

Highlights of the city’s public safety investments include:

• Sustaining competitive pay: Continued support of the fire service pay step plan to attract and retain top-tier personnel.
• Opening Fire Station 612: A new station near the Scottsdale Airpark and Loop 101 will strengthen coverage in a vital commercial and residential area.
• A second engine company at Station 601: This fiscal year’s budget re-establishes Engine Company 6012, a second engine company to provide critical response capability in one of the city’s busiest service zones.
• Scottsdale ambulance service planned expansion: Three additional ambulances will be launched by the end of the calendar year to meet increasing emergency medical calls.
• Enhanced training programs: Full implementation of new initiatives at the Scottsdale Regional Training Center, supporting both recruit and advanced firefighter training.
• Advanced staff development: Funding for life-saving specialties including hazardous materials response, airport rescue firefighting and wildland urban interface operations; this includes a second Technical Rescue Team to handle call volume in and around Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, funded through the Parks and Preserve sales tax approved by voters in 2024. 
• Wildfire mitigation expansion: Strengthening risk reduction efforts in the city’s desert areas to protect life, property, and natural resources. The Parks and Preserve sales tax is providing consistent baseline funding for fire fuel mitigation, which will continue to be augmented through grant funding. 

City Manager Greg Caton said the investments not only honor the department’s two decades of service but ensure it’s equipped to serve Scottsdale’s future.
“We’re proud of the Scottsdale Fire Department’s legacy and their continued focus on meeting the community’s evolving needs,” Caton said. “This budget demonstrates our commitment to supporting public safety and delivering exceptional service across Scottsdale.”

Since its formation in 2005, the Scottsdale Fire Department has responded to more than half a million calls for service — each one a reflection of its mission to protect and serve with excellence.