110525 Attachment A - Fire Staffing and Response Time Overview and TPT Update Report v11.pdf

Note: Report Data Through September 30, 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. 
 
 
Fire Staffing and Response 
Time Overview with 
TPT Plan Update 
Attachment A

Note: Report Data Through September 30, 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 803 candidates participating. 
The table below compares testing and recruits trained over the past five years.   
  
 
 
 
Online Recruitment Process 
As of August 4, 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 4 to 
August 25, and the online testing period closed on August 29. 
This process requires candidates to complete two separate exams: a public safety general 
exam (approximately 224 questions) and a department-specific 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
Applicants 
Tested
Selected for 
Interview
Recruits 
Trained
FY25-26
1034
803
405
FY24-25
1267
765
516
88
FY23-24
1105
600
407
154
FY22-23
1271
730
467
135
FY21-22
1445
921
634
68

Note: Report Data Through September 30, 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   
 
 
 
 
45 Recruits   
Graduated  09.05.2025 
Recruit Class 25-3   
Starts in October  
48 Recruits   
Graduating  01.09.2026 
Recruit Class 26-1   
Starts in January  
65 Recruits   
Graduating  05.26.2026 
 
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 
September. 
 
 
 
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
37
44,222
896,296
Instgram Recruiting
5
7,004
60,800
Facebook
44
20,463
1,254,041
X (Twitter)
13
149
16,235
Nextdoor
4
113
39,158
PFD Social Media Outreach

Note: Report Data Through September 30, 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
7:26
6:01
9:11
9:19
19,618
District 2
8:24
6:32
10:53
10:34
13,527
District 3
7:29
5:44
9:59
9:01
21,514
District 4
6:32
4:56
7:54
8:16
29,504
District 5
6:53
4:49
9:08
8:58
19,987
District 6
7:30
5:51
9:45
9:33
18,024
District 7
7:26
5:56
12:04
9:45
25,821
District 8
7:07
5:38
11:48
8:59
32,385
Citywide
7:16
5:48
10:11
9:14
180,380
Based on 90th percentile response times, not averages from January 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025.

Note: Report Data Through September 30, 2025. 
 
 
 
Ten-Year Response Time Trend 
 
This chart shows the citywide 90th percentile (CEMS) critical emergency medical service 
response time in relation to the population from 2015 to the present. 
Over the past decade, the city has seen steady population growth, reflecting the region’s rapid 
urban development. For much of this period, the Fire Department's emergency service 
capacity did not increase at a corresponding rate, resulting in rising response times. Response 
times have stabilized in recent years due to the positive impact of adding emergency service 
resources to the system. This overall trend demonstrates that the city’s strategic investments 
in emergency services personnel, equipment, and infrastructure, including the construction of 
new fire stations, expansion of ambulance services, and technology upgrades, are positively 
impacting response times amid the city’s growth.

Note: Report Data Through September 30, 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.  
The total number of patient transports in September 2025 was 9,068, an 8.0 percent increase 
from the 8,394 transports recorded in September 2024.

Note: Report Data Through September 30, 2025. 
 
 
 
TPT Plan Update 
Following the City Council’s approval of the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) increase, the 
Phoenix Fire Department received a dedicated $25 million boost to expand emergency 
response capacity. This funding aims to cut response times by hiring 134 new sworn full-time 
personnel and 19 civilian staff members. Additional funds support new fire trucks, vital 
equipment, and the building of two fire stations. To ensure smooth implementation, the 
Department established a program management structure inclusive of an Executive 
Committee, Core Team, and several subcommittees to oversee infrastructure upgrades, 
equipment procurement, hiring, and training. 
The Department has made significant progress in executing its TPT Plan by strategically 
aligning resources to enhance operational readiness and workforce sustainability. In July 2025, 
Battalion 8 was brought into service, expanding command coverage and improving emergency 
response. Two Human Resource Aides were also hired to boost personnel management and 
administrative efficiency. In August, the Department completed improvements to the Member 
Services program and appointed a Community Risk Reduction Planning Captain. Fire Resource 
added a Supply Clerk and a Building Maintenance Worker to support logistics and facility 
operations. 
Further expansion continued in September 2025 with the activation of Rescue 12, enhancing 
emergency transport capacity in high-demand areas. The Department also strengthened its 
training and operational support by adding two Department Training Officers, a Paramedic 
Training Program Director, a Fire Equipment Service Worker, and an Administrative Aide for 
the Emergency Response Staffing Office. Together, these TPT-funded improvements bolster 
the Department’s core operations, training, logistics, and support services, ensuring the 
Phoenix Fire Department remains well equipped to meet the city’s increasing emergency 
service needs.