Attachment A - Phoenix Fire Department Staffing, Hiring and Activity Report.pdf

Note: Report Data Through August 31, 2025. 
 
 
 
 
Fire Department Staffing 
Thanks to the continued prioritization and support of the Mayor and Council, as well as 
funding from Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) revenues, the number of authorized sworn 
positions has continued to increase. The current number of authorized sworn positions 
increased by 157 on July 1, from 1,870 to 2,027. 
 
The increase in authorized sworn positions is driving the department to move forward 
aggressively with accelerated recruit training academies to ensure these new roles are filled 
quickly and effectively. These academies are structured to align with the opening of new fire 
stations, the deployment of additional apparatus, and the procurement of critical equipment. 
In addition, supplemental sworn positions are being advanced to strengthen emergency 
transportation services (i.e., ambulances) across the City of Phoenix, addressing rising service 
demands and ensuring timely response to the community’s needs. 
 
 
Phoenix Fire 
Department Staffing, 
Hiring and Activity 
Report 
Attachment A

Note: Report Data Through August 31, 2025. 
 
 
 
Firefighter Recruitment and Hiring 
The Fire Department recruits, hires, and trains new firefighters year-round to meet staffing 
needs. The Training Section ensures that each graduating firefighter is fully prepared to serve 
the residents of Phoenix. Testing frequency is determined by the number of applicants and 
available full-time positions, maintaining a strong candidate pool. Recently, the department 
hosted the Recruit Entrance Written Exam, with approximately 765 candidates participating. 
The table below compares testing and recruits trained over the past five years.   
  
 
 
 
Online Recruitment Process 
As of August 4th, the Phoenix Fire Department has officially transitioned from an in-person 
written exam to a fully online testing format for firefighter recruitment. The first online testing 
cycle has already been completed, with the application window running from August 4th to 
August 25th, and the online testing period closing on August 29th. 
This process requires candidates to complete two separate exams: the PSA Exam 
(approximately 224 questions) and the Phoenix Fire Department Exam (100 questions based 
on the official study packet). Although written testing is now conducted online, the first and 
second round interviews still take place in person. 
This new process will take place twice a year and is designed to offer greater flexibility and 
accessibility for applicants. By enabling remote testing over a longer window, candidates can 
better prepare and complete their exams at their convenience. The biannual schedule 
provides more frequent opportunities to apply, helping to streamline recruitment efforts and 
maintain a steady flow of qualified candidates for the department. 
Year
Applicants 
Invited
Applicants 
Tested
Applicants 
Passing Test
Recruits 
Trained
2025
1267
765
516
88
2024
1105
600
408
154
2023
1271
729
467
135
2022
1445
921
634
68
2021
1348
896
594
95

Note: Report Data Through August 31, 2025. 
 
 
 
Firefighter Recruit Training 
On September 5, the Fire Department graduated 45 new firefighters from class 25-2. The chart 
below outlines the progress and graduation dates for the 2025 recruit academies. Enrollment 
in each session is maximized whenever possible, with space also reserved for students from 
regional partners. Final graduation numbers may vary as the process advances.   
 
Recruit Class 25-1  
 
 
 
 
43 Recruits   
Graduated  05.23.2025 
Recruit Class 25-2   
Started in June 
 
45 Recruits   
Graduated  09.05.2025 
Recruit Class 25-3   
Starts in October  
47 Recruits   
Graduating  01.09.2026 
  
 
Community Engagement 
The Fire Department actively engages with the community through social media and public 
events, ensuring consistent communication and outreach. The chart below provides key 
metrics on recent social media interactions and engagement levels for the month of July. 
 
 
 
 
Community engagement extends beyond digital outreach to include social and community 
events, which are vital in strengthening connections with residents. The Fire Department 
actively hosts and participates in various events throughout the year to recruit, foster 
relationships, promote safety, and enhance public awareness. For more information on 
upcoming events and outreach programs, visit the Fire Department website:  
https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/fire/community-outreach.html. 
Posts
Interactions
Reach
Instagram Main PFD
38
36,403
715,219
Instgram Recruiting
15
12,712
236,742
Facebook
31
12,244
481,404
X (Twitter)
17
455
38,620
PFD Social Media Outreach

Note: Report Data Through August 31, 2025. 
 
 
 
Response Times & Call Volumes 
Response times are measured, monitored, and managed daily to maximize coverage and 
resource deployment. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established response 
time standards for fire and emergency medical service delivery, and the Arizona Department 
of Health Services (AZDHS) established the response time standard for emergency 
transportation services. 
 
The chart below shows response times by Council District for critical emergency medical 
service (EMS) incidents, first arriving engine to a fire incident, first arriving ladder to a fire 
incident, ambulance response times for critical EMS, total incident call volume for each Council 
District, citywide totals, and the associated standard 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Arriving 
ALS Unit (can 
be any type) 
to Critical 
EMS Incident
First Arriving 
Engine (Water) to a 
Fire Incident
First Arriving 
Ladder to a Fire 
Incident
Ambulance Critical 
EMS
Total 
Incident Call 
Volume 
2025
NFPA Standard
5:00
5:20
9:20
10:00
District 1
7:27
6:02
9:41
9:20
17,430
District 2
8:23
6:39
10:26
10:37
12,138
District 3
7:29
5:54
10:02
9:02
19,243
District 4
6:32
4:55
7:49
8:15
26,327
District 5
6:51
4:47
8:55
9:00
17,603
District 6
7:30
5:51
9:43
9:32
16,167
District 7
7:28
5:59
12:14
9:46
22,983
District 8
7:06
5:34
11:48
8:57
28,921
Citywide
7:16
5:48
10:13
9:15
160,812
Based on 90th percentile response times, not averages from January 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025.

Note: Report Data Through August 31, 2025. 
 
 
 
Emergency Patient Transportation Activity 
The Fire Department has operated its emergency transportation service for nearly four 
decades. Analyzing the monthly average activity levels over the past three years reveals a 
consistent upward trend in service demand.  
Total patient transports in August 2025 were 9,654, an 8.2 percent increase from the 8,926 
transports recorded in August 2024.