2024 ANNUAL REPORT









Buckeye City Council
Eric Orsborn Mayor
623.349.6950
eorsborn@buckeyeaz.gov
Term expires November 2028

Patrick HagEstad District 4
623.349.6944
phagestad@buckeyeaz.gov
Term expires November 2026

Tony Youngker District 1
623.349.6941
tyoungker@buckeyeaz.gov
Term expires November 2028
Jamaine Berry District 2
623.349.6942
jberry@buckeyeaz.gov
Term expires November 2028
623.349.6946
cgoodman@buckeyeaz.gov
Term expires November 2026

623.349.6945
cheustis@buckeyeaz.gov Term expires November 2026

623.349.6943

CITY OF BUCKEYE CULTURE
WE ARE BUCKEYE, an exceptional city government that exists to serve one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Our commitment is to provide a safe and sustainable quality of life to all who live and work here, to foster economic growth and stability, and plan, implement and maintain reliable infrastructure.
Doing this takes all of us. That is why we work as a team to nurture a culture that enables our shared success as an innovative, fiscally responsible, high-performing organization.
Together, we honor our past while embracing new ideas that will lead us into the next phase of our journey, balancing what is needed now with planning for a future filled with limitless possibilities. We put the community first and are relentless in delivering outstanding outcomes for Buckeye’s residents, businesses and visitors.
We recognize the value of teamwork while appreciating the different ways each of us contributes to the whole. We are passionate about what we do and making the City of Buckeye a great place to work—one were everyone is welcomed, respected and valued.
COLLECTIVELY, THIS IS WHAT MAKES US
‘US’ - TEAM BUCKEYE




MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the Buckeye Fire-Medical-Rescue Department’s (BFMRD) 2024 Annual Report. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve alongside such an exceptional group of dedicated professionals. The level of service and professionalism that the men and women of our department demonstrate daily is truly second to none. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and faced numerous challenges head-on, all while striving to fulfill our mission and demonstrating the values that we hold dear— Family, Integrity, Resiliency, and Evolving.
This year has been extraordinary in many ways, marked by becoming an Accredited Agency and the passing of the GO Bond. The accreditation process required a self-assessment, program appraisals, report writing/submission, and an on-site evaluation from a peer assessment team sent from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) who recommended our department for accreditation status at a hearing in August of 2024. The accreditation process is one of continuous improvement, so the work never truly ends. We are already addressing the recommendations received and preparing the annual compliance report for 2025 and the reaccreditation process in 2029!
The future became much brighter when Buckeye City Council approved the formation of the 2024 Buckeye General Obligation (GO) Bond and the proposition was approved by voters in November 2024. There were two propositions passed by voters; one for public safety and one for streets and transportation. The Public Safety Proposition accounts for $137 million for public safety projects, including Public Safety Headquarters, Training Facilities, a replacement of Westpark Fire Station, and a new Victory Fire Station. All projects are underway in 2025, with the two fire stations being designed in 2025 and starting construction in 2026. The successful passing of the propositions was the result of significant efforts to spread information regarding the details of the GO Bond and emphasize the impact the projects will have on the community. This bond is providing critical funding for our growing community.
The grand opening of the Blue Horizons Fire Station 707 officially occurred in January of 2025, following a long planning process. The construction and opening of this station brings an immediate impact to the level of services we provide, allowing increased availability and a decrease in response times. With two new stations coming in the next few years, an increased level of service will be felt throughout the 640 square miles of response area.
Despite the increased service demand that has warranted the need for new stations, all levels of our organization displayed unwavering commitment, responding promptly to emergencies, and delivering exemplary customer service throughout 2024. Their tireless efforts have undoubtedly made a profound impact on the safety and well-being of our community. We continue to analyze and evaluate our performance and how we can better serve our community and our citizens. A new focus on data analysis and performance management, combined with evaluation of risk, will provide us a better opportunity for planning our service delivery and community education efforts.
We successfully developed the Chaplain Response Team. This new initiative developed through volunteer vision and participation and is truly making a difference in the community after tragic events. This program represents a significant step forward in enhancing our emergency response capabilities and fostering a comprehensive approach to supporting our community.
In conclusion, the annual report serves as a testament to the remarkable accomplishments of our fire department. I extend my deepest gratitude to our firefighters, dedicated staff, and the unwavering support of our elected officials, city management, and the community. Together, we have risen above the challenges and made a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. As we move forward, let us continue to strive for excellence, guided by our shared commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

Jake Rhoades, Fire Chief



2024 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

11,134
TOTAL RESPONSES BY BUCKEYE FIRE-MEDICAL-RESCUE DEPARTMENT
TOTAL UNITS RESPONDING TO 9,824 INCIDENTS 9,824
TOTAL BUCKEYE FIRE-MEDICALRESCUE DEPARTMENT INCIDENTS
34
TOTAL FIRE INVESTIGATIONS
127 SWORN PERSONNEL
0 FIRE FATALITIES
7,415
TOTAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSES
86 CIVILIAN FIRE INJURIES
9 CIVILIAN PERSONNEL 9:08
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME (90TH PERCENTILE)
1,022 INSPECTIONS
1,115 PLAN REVIEW
$24,981,507 FY 23–24 BUDGET $28,006,600 FY 24–25 BUDGET
DEPARTMENT
MISSION
We serve the community, preventing and responding to all emergencies with professionalism and compassion.

Be The Best and Build For the Future.
CORE VALUES
Our Core Values are Embodied in the Acronym FIRE
ERIFFAMILY

Our workplace is made up of amazing individuals who are real, vulnerable, transparent human beings who speak from the heart, value others’ contributions, and invest in each other’s growth to achieve greatness while having fun along the way.
INTEGRITY
Our members honor our profession and inspire others to preserve trustworthiness, honesty, and compassion.
RESILIENT
We have the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. We adapt well to change. We are flexible in our ways. We allow teachable moments and don’t let circumstances define us.
EVOLVING
We are adaptive to change and recognize our mission will transform as does our community. We will keep an eye on the future and trends that elicit our continued evolution. We will alter our service so that we meet the needs of our citizens and community in every way possible.
CORE PURPOSE
To enable you to grow your family and this community in a safe environment, and to know that we will always be there in a time of need. The Buckeye Fire-MedicalRescue Department will always answer the call.”




FIRE STATION 701
404 S. Miller Road



FIRE STATION 703
2582 N. Verrado Way
FIRE STATION 705
30551 W. Tartesso Parkway

FIRE STATION 707
20080 W. Yuma Road

FIRE STATION 702
1911 S. Rainbow Road
FIRE STATION 704
27360 W. Wagner Complex Drive

FIRE STATION 706
25821 W. Magnolia Street

Opened in January 2025, Fire Station 707, located at 20080 W Yuma Road, is a crucial addition to the Blue Horizon neighborhood in Buckeye, Arizona, significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities in this growing community. The station is home to both Engine 707 and Ladder 707, which will be cross-staffed to ensure versatile and efficient response to a variety of emergencies including fires, medical calls, and rescues. Designed with future expansion in mind, this station is built to adapt to the increasing needs of the area, ensuring long-term service and support as the population grows. Additionally, Station 707 features a community room, providing a dedicated space for public education, safety training, and neighborhood engagement. This facility not only strengthens emergency response efforts but also fosters a deeper connection between first responders and the residents they serve, making it a vital asset to the City of Buckeye.
CHAPLAIN VOLUNTEERS







PROMOTIONS





RETIREMENTS

NEW HIRES










YEARS OF SERVICE

















CERTIFICATIONS IN 2024












CERTIFICATIONS IN 2024
CPSE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER CERTIFICATION

Paul Moore Assistant Fire Chief
2024 AWARDS
CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR

Matt Roque Support Services
OFFICER OF THE YEAR

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Jeff Doerr Captain
CHIEF’S AWARDS

McKenzie Hess Battalion Chief

Tim Hodges Captain

Steve Gompf Firefighter

Jeff Judy Chaplain
HONOR AWARD ENGINE 706-C

Michelle Rogers Captain

Michael Castillo Engineer

Jackie Gutierrez Firefighter
EMT/PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR

Ben Mazza Captain
SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Chrissy Yates EMS Captain
HEALTH AND WELLNESS AWARD

Zachary Moore Firefighter

Aaron Stone Firefighter
GRANTS AWARDED IN 2024
FIREHOUSE SUBS GRANT • $32,265
Level A hazmat suits and pressure test kit
AZ SCIP • $283,045
Client management database and community wellness
SECURING THE CITIES • $109,564
Funds used for training for identifying, preventing, and responding to nuclear and radiological threats
GOHS FY25 OCCUPANT PROTECTION • $42,215
Funds used for car seats and seat inspector training
$741,202
TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANT MONEY AWARDED IN 2024
AZ DOHS HAZMAT SUSTAINMENT EQUIP (UASI) • $40,200
Funds used to purchase one of each: propane flare kit, natural gas meter, meter and Level A suite maintenance, as well as hazmat tech training for 4 personnel
ADEQ FY25 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND • $1,420
Funds used to purchase Justright Decon Quickberm, 478 gallon capacity
AFG WEST VALLEY LEADERSHIP GRANT • $232,493
Funds used for training purposes

ACCREDITATION
BFMRD received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary selfassessment and accreditation program in August 2024.
The rigorous self-assessment and accreditation process provides a platform for continuous quality improvement which leads to increase efficiencies, improve organizational accountability and enhance of overall service delivery to our community.

The Center for Public Safety Excellence states the following: “The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) Accredited agencies are often described as being community-oriented, data-driven, and outcome-focused. They exemplify organizations that are strategic-minded and well organized, are properly equipped, staffed, and trained. Agency accreditation is an international recognition of achievement. It shows your community that your agency continually self-assesses, looks for opportunities for improvement, and is transparent and accountable through the application of a true third-party verification and validation process.”
Fire Chief Jake Rhoades stated that the agency’s achievement of Accredited Agency status “demonstrates our commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our community.”
WHAT IS ISO?

Insurance Services Office (ISO) is a leading source of information about property/ casualty insurance risk. The organization provides statistical, actuarial, underwriting, and claims data for a broad spectrum of commercial and personal lines of insurance. Community investment in fire and emergency services has helped BFMRD earn its Class 2 ISO rating. Ensuring this continued level of service requires a shared effort and responsibility among the Fire Department, local leaders, business owners, and residents. Earning a Class 1 ISO rating, will place BFMRD among the highest rated departments in the country.
Of the currently 313 internationally accredited agencies, BFMRD is one of 91 departments to maintain an ISO 2 rating.
WHY ARE ISO RATINGS IMPORTANT?
Insurance Premium Benefits
Safety Performance Metrics
Ensure Fair and Unbiased Evaluations
Resource Optimization
Operational Benchmarking
Community Impact
2025 STRATEGIC PLAN OF ACTION
The last year has been a year of change and accomplishments for the BFMRD. With changes in executive staff, our women and men have not only adapted to new leadership and vision, but have provided positive feedback for our new direction and the steps being taken for improvement. Our leadership has implemented processes for continuous improvement, including critical planning to identify the strategic trajectory and establish the foundation for its next three years of growth and development.
Given the foundational data review, program appraisals, and organizational self-reflection and analysis, the top 10 projects for this Strategic Plan have been identified. Understanding that some of these projects may have time-frames that extend beyond 2025 or even the life of the Strategic Plan, the focus on these projects will allow for ancillary objectives within the Strategic Plan workbook to be accomplished. There will be other elements of the Strategic Plan that are completed as ancillary support, or due to the complexity of the items specified, may have strategic implications for the organization.
As identified in the recent Relationship by Objective (RBO) meeting, the top projects have been identified and by the conclusion of 2025, the BFMRD will:
Expand the use of established metrics to drive program development
Improve our EMS service delivery and support our providers
Develop a long-term facility maintenance and construction plan of action
Conduct a workload analysis of administrative staff to ensure additional staff requests are in line with the demands of any newly advanced services
Develop best practices for the creation, review, approval, and publication of all department procedures
Ensure training and professional development is designed to meet future organization needs
Enhance the well-being of all department members
Ensure agency-wide behavioral health and wellness initiatives
Evaluate if current community outreach and public education programs meet the needs of the community through community surveys
Develop a recruitment and development plan for a long-term workforce
BOND UPDATE

The Buckeye City Council approved the 2024 Buckeye General Obligation (GO) Bond in December 2023. Committee meetings were established in early 2024 and continued throughout the year. Prop 494 was approved by the Buckeye voters, with an approval rate of 64%, which will be funded through a secondary property tax.
PROPOSITION 494: PUBLIC SAFETY $137 Million for public safety projects, including:

Permanent Facility at Westpark Fire Station 706
The project will establish a permanent fire station within the Westpark community, replacing the current interim facility.

Victory Fire Station Construction
The City plans to develop a fire station to be located within the planned Victory development in Verrado.

Public Safety Headquarters
Funding from the bond will establish a centralized Police and Fire administration facility which will serve as the base for Buckeye patrol and fire battalion chiefs.

Public Safety Training Support Facilities
Funding from the bond will support the initial phase of developing advanced training facilities for the Buckeye Police and Fire departments.
SIGNIFICANT REPORT
On June 21, 2024, E702 was dispatched to an unknown fire at 6321 S. Rainbow Road. After multiple calls related to the same incident and a better location was determined, the call was balanced to a Hazardous Situation. There were multiple reports of a large “orange column” of smoke coming from the Thatcher Chemical Company. This facility is known to store and transport various types of hazardous chemicals. Crews on scene quickly confirmed an all clear of the structure through employees on site and began the work of identifying the product causing the cloud of orange smoke. There were several residential structures within one mile of the location, but none were directly impacted. A large number of crews were used to notify residents to either evacuate to one of two designated shelters, or shelter-in-place until the situation had been mitigated. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported. Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (AZDEQ) was notified during the incident.

For Release: 6/21/2024
Contact: bpdinfo@buckeyeaz.gov
Buckeye police and fire respond to HAZMAT incident
BUCKEYE, AZ (June 21, 2024): Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, Buckeye police received a call of a potential HAZMAT situation at Thatcher Company on Rainbow Rd near Southern. The Buckeye Fire and Medical Rescue Department responded
Responding crews learned an employee at the site was filling a commercial vehicle with nitric acid when a spill occurred, sending a chemical plume

Around 7 p.m., the shelter in place was lifted No injuries or illnesses were reported. We are grateful for the assistance of fire departments from Phoenix, Goodyear, Avondale, and Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
###

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
From March 25-28, 2024, the City of BFMRD led a large-scale multi-agency training exercise at an unoccupied tilt-slab commercial building at Perryville and McDowell Road. The BFMRD partnered with Willmeng Construction who allowed use of their approximately 400,000-square-foot building for the training exercise. Multiple smoke machines were utilized to create a real-life scenario in a large commercial structure. Ten valley fire departments attended the training exercise each day, allowing hundreds of firefighters to train on command procedures, forcible entry, securing water supplies, pulling handlines, and practicing how to operate in a large tilt-slab structure. Firefighters were able to practice their “mayday response” and how to save one of their own who has been lost or injured while operating inside of the large building with zero visibility. Large tilt-slab structures are being constructed all over the West Valley and this allowed firefighters to train for these high-risk low frequency events to help prepare for future responses. Planned and executed by Deputy Chief Paul Carmen, the training exercise was a huge success.







DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ADMINISTRATION
Became an internationally accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
Completed construction on Fire Station 707 located at Blue Horizons.
Hosted and participated in several open house style meetings to provide information, answer questions, and address concerns regarding Buckeye’s GO Bond initiative.
OPERATIONS
Improved and maintained engine and ladder company travel time to incidents at 8:18 (90th percentile).
Implemented alternative response model with a Low Acuity response vehicle pilot program.
Established the Chaplain Response Program consisting of seven volunteer chaplains who are automatic response to identified fire and EMS call types for community member support.
Welcomed the arrival of Engine 702 to replace an engine that had been in service for over 10 years.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Implemented the canine therapy program with four canines and handlers available for mental health and wellness.
Three members completed and received certifications for Functional Movement Screening.
TRAINING

Fully implemented a comprehensive annual training plan for the department.
Increased the number of trained personnel in specialty disciplines to include paramedics, hazardous materials, and technical rescue.
Honored Captain Daniel Malanowski for being named the Emergency Medical Care Technician of the Year for the Central Arizona region.
FIRE PREVENTION
Developed a self-inspection process that ensures all occupancy inspections on an annual basis.
Participated in the Arizona Burn Foundation Smoke Detector walk, installing 91 smoke alarms in 27 homes with 51 volunteers.
SPECIAL EVENTS
JANUARY
Verrado Bicycle Safety Rodeo
Buckeye Days Parade
Freedom Elementary— Electric Engine vs. Diesel Powered
Coffee with a Firefighter
FEBRUARY
Sundance Community Annual First Responder Breakfast
Buckeye Air Fair
MARCH
Westpark Elementary—Read Across America
New Engine 702 Push In at Station 702
Summit Church visit
BFMRD hosted Big Box training
APRIL
Tartesso Autism Walk
Verrado Youth Triathlon
MAY
Balldrop at Sundance Golf Course with Ladder 703
Engine 702 Inca Elementary School
JUNE
Buckeye FF Association Local 4311 volunteered at ABF’s Camp Courage in Prescott
JULY
Verrado Parade
SEPTEMBER
Community Pancake Breakfast
Blue Horizons Elementary—Fire Safety
Three Fired Up GO Bond Community Meeting
OCTOBER
Three Fired Up GO Bond Community Meetings
84th Annual Halloween Celebration
NOVEMBER
Buckeye Union High School Career Day
Buckeye Police and Fire Cadet CPR Training
DECEMBER
Glow on Monroe Christmas Parade



TRAINING
117
Number of Operations Personnel
33,086 Training and Professional Development Hours
520 Recruit Academy Training Hours
SAFETY AND SURVIVAL
1,681 Technical Rescue Technician Training Hours
309 Total Training Hours Per Member
1,962 Hazardous Material Technician Training Hours
240 Required Total Hours Annually Per Member (ISO)
The BFMRD has prioritized firefighter safety by ensuring all members complete fireground survival training, closely following the IAFF curriculum. This essential training prepares firefighters to handle high-risk situations by focusing on survival techniques such as situational awareness, self-rescue, and team-oriented escape strategies. In addition to providing this critical training, the department has several members certified to teach the IAFF curriculum, allowing for expert-led instruction and ensuring the highest standards are met. By certifying instructors within the department, BFMRD strengthens it commitment to safety and preparedness, ensuring every member is equipped to face life-threatening challenges on the fireground.


PUBLIC EDUCATION




FIRE PREVENTION
20 FIRE INVESTIGATIONS
0 - Vehicle // 14 - Residential // 5 - Commercial // 1 - Multi-Family
CAUSES: 9 - Accidental // 11 - Undetermined
SPRINKLER SAVES: 1 Residential // 3 Commercial
TOP 3 FIRES: Unattended Cooking // Electrical // Improper Disposal of Smoking Material FLOW TESTS: 96
FIELD INSPECTIONS: 1,022
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS: 131
1,115 PLANS REVIEW*
95 - Commercial Sprinkler
13 - Residential Sprinkler
57 - Commercial Alarm
7 - Commercial Kitchen Hood Suppression
86 - Pre-Application Conference
25 - Fire Access
277 - Building Commercial
26 - Building Residential
44 - Plat Zoning Case
19 - Fireworks
14 - Special Events
2 - Blasting
*Some fire plans required multiple reviews
FIRE RESOURCE
ANNUAL HOSE AND GROUND LADDER TESTING
Nearly 21,000 feet of hose tested:
1 3/4” - 6,100’ // 2 1/2” - 7,850’ // 4” - 6,850’
Nearly 600 feet of ground ladders:
Straight—228’ // Extension—264’ // Folding—106’
AERIAL LADDER TESTING WITH GROUND LADDERS
New Ladder 707: Aerial 4 Section—107’ // Ground Ladders—212’
Old Tiller 703: Aerial 4 Section—100’ // Ground Ladders—224’
ANNUAL RADIO EQUIPMENT TESTING
Portable Radios—130 // Mobile Radios—36
We have approximately 60% of our portable radios that have exceeded their life expectancy. Units slated for portable replacements in 2025/26 are E705, E704, HM705, BR701, BR704, and S703.
COMMUNITY PARAMEDICINE
132 – Patient Interaction
155 – Service Calls
134 – AED Installations/Training
68 – Crisis Team Interactions
295 – Program/ Staff Development
71 – Dementia
146 – Public Education
75 – Miscellaneous
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS
Approximately 260 sets of assigned structure equipment are reviewed. Self inspections are completed in July and August.
EXTRICATION TOOLS
Each engine and ladder are equipped with powered extrication tools. This equipment is serviced annually by our Fleet Department in the month of May.
2024 STATISTICS
INCIDENTS AND RESPONSES BY YEAR

Incidents Responses*
number of units responding to the incident
EMS INCIDENTS WITHIN BUCKEYE
753 – Fall Injury
679 – Difficulty Breathing
629 – Altered Level of Consciousness
567 – Ill Person 510 – ALS Ill Person
– Chest Pain
– Assault
– ALS Fall Injury 284 – ALS Seizure 283 – Heart Problems
4,772 Total
INTERVENTIONS
Count and % total runs
2,541 - IV (25.25%)
1,859 - 12 Lead ECG (18.47%) 139 - CPR Started (1.38%)
- Wound Care (1.35%) 84 - CPR Stopped-Rhythm Check (0.83%)
- I/O 80 (0.79%) 75 - ETCO2 Digital Capnography (0.75%) 72 - Nasal Cannula (0.72%)
- I-Gel (0.69%)
- Manual Defibrillation (0.66%) MEDICATIONS GIVEN OR ADMINISTERED
– Narcan
MEDICAL RESPONSES BY ENGINES
ALS BLS

MEDICAL RESPONSES

7,415 TOTAL RESPONSES
FIRST ASSIGNED ENGINE COMPANY RELIABILITY



TURNOUT TIME BY SHIFT

TOTAL RESPONSE TIME BY ENGINE (90th Percentile) 09:08

Responses Are Total Units Responding to 9,824 Incidents 5:20 BENCHMARK
1 – Aircraft 8 – Assist Police Department 373 – Fire 566 – Fire Alarm 2 – Interfacility 7,068 – Medical 918 – Service 173 – Special Ops
622 – Vehicle Collision 93 – Incidents Missing Cad Data
DEPARTMENT APPARATUS RESPONSES
Battalion Chief 701 801
Engine 701 2,090
Engine 702 2,313
Engine 703 1,534
Engine 704 1,265
Engine 705 812
Engine 706 1,379
Engine 707 303 HazMat 705 112 Ladder 703 369 Ladder 707 156
AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME MINUTES SECONDS 11,134 TOTAL
INCIDENTS BY DAY OF WEEK
INCIDENTS BY SHIFT

9,824 TOTAL INCIDENTS
1,705 Responses Mutual Aid Received Excluding Ambulances
1,108 Incidents

Mutual Aid Delivered By BFMRD
1,188 Incidents
1,569 Responses
7,415 EMS RESPONSES

VEHICLE COLLISION CALLS
INCIDENTS BY HOUR OF DAY
