Attachment A - Fire Department Hiring and Staffing Report 050725.pdf

Note: Report Data Through March 31, 2025. 
 
 
 
 
 
Fire Department Staffing 
The Fire Department administers hiring by forecasting attrition rates and managing 
recruitment efforts, hiring cycles, and training cycles to minimize vacancies. Thanks to the 
continued prioritization and support of the Mayor and Council, the number of authorized 
sworn positions has continued to increase. The current number of authorized sworn positions 
is 1870. 
The increase of authorized sworn positions has included significant efforts such as timely 
hiring and training of sworn firefighters to correspond with new fire stations, apparatus, and 
equipment procurement. In addition, supplemental authorized sworn positions have been 
approved to enhance emergency transportation services (i.e., ambulances) throughout the 
City of Phoenix to address increased activity levels. 
 
Phoenix Fire Department 
Staffing, Hiring, and 
Activity Report 
 
May 2025 
Attachment A

Note: Report Data Through March 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. 
 
 
 
Firefighter Recruit Training 
Recruit Class 25-1 officially began training at the Phoenix Fire Department Academy on 
January 20. This class includes 45 new Phoenix recruits who will undergo rigorous training to 
prepare for their roles as first responders. The start of Recruit Class 25-1 indicates positive 
progress in bolstering the department’s operational capacity, ensuring the continuation of 
high-quality emergency services for Phoenix residents. The chart below outlines the 
anticipated graduation dates for upcoming 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. 
 
 
Year
Applicants 
Invited
Applicants 
Tested
Applicants 
Passing Test
Recruits 
Trained
2025
1267
765
516
N/A
2024
1105
600
408
154
2023
1271
729
467
135
2022
1445
921
634
68
2021
1348
896
594
95
Recruit Class
Anticipated # Recruits
Academy Start
Graduation Date
25-1
44
Feb. 2025
May 2025
25-2
47
June 2025
Sept. 2025
25-3
22
Oct. 2025
Jan. 2026

Note: Report Data Through March 31, 2025. 
 
 
 
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, engagement levels, and community events 
attended by the department. 
 
 
PFD Social Media Outreach 
 
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.  
Past Events 
 
Mar. 8  
22nd Annual High School Fire Science Muster 
Mar. 8  
Dine with a 1st Responder - Chic-Fil-A - 24th St. and Baseline 
Mar. 12  
ASU’s How to Become a Firefighter Recording 
Mar. 20  
Carl Hayden High School Career Fair 
Mar. 29  
Marine Muster and Career Fair 
 
Upcoming Events 
 
May 7 
Recruit Information Session 
May 4         Cinco DeMayo Phoenix Festival - Bike Rodeo and event table 
May 17 
Maryvale Summer Fun (D5) Maryvale Community Center  
Posts
Interactions
Reach
Instagram Main PFD
31
41k
47k
Instagram Recruiting
23
17k
21k
Facebook
26
31.8k
1.59 million
X (Twitter)
19
316
31k
Nextdoor
6
83
70k

Note: Report Data Through March 31, 2025. 
 
 
 
Response Times & Call Volumes 
Seconds count when responding to emergencies. 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. 
 
 
 Based on 90th percentile response times. 
 
 
 
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
7:35
5:59
8:41
9:29
6,596
District 2
8:28
6:27
9:27
10:41
4,738
District 3
7:35
6:09
10:19
9:13
7,366
District 4
6:33
4:54
7:54
8:23
9,598
District 5
6:56
4:47
8:07
9:02
6,656
District 6
7:32
5:51
9:36
9:58
6,178
District 7
7:25
6:07
12:12
10:00
8,348
District 8
7:10
5:30
14:24
9:15
10,989
Citywide
7:22
5:51
9:59
9:28
60,469

Note: Report Data Through March 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.  
In March 2025, total transports increased to 8,774, reflecting a 7.6 percent rise compared to 
the 8,152 transports recorded in March 2024.