The Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department (TFMRD) is a fire department that provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the city of Tempe, Arizona. The department services approximately 181,000 people over a area, which includes Arizona State University. During fiscal year 2023–2024, TFMRD responded to 24,368 calls for service, of which 84% were for medical services. The department is one of 26 jurisdictions within the Phoenix area that is dispatched by the Phoenix Fire Department Regional Dispatch Center and participates in the Automatic Aid system.
History The Tempe Fire Department was officially established in 1903, following several large fires within the city in previous years. As the city began expanding, so did the fire department. The department began receiving new equipment and firefighters began getting paid on a "per-call" basis. Tempe firefighters at this time were still volunteers. Soon, the public began calling for a more "professional" fire department. In 1960, a new fire chief was hired with the goal of reorganizing the department. The department began hiring paid firefighters shortly after. All Tempe firefighters were officially certified as state Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in 1981. In 1993, the department partnered with Arizona Public Service to open a joint fire training center.
In 2014, the department changed its name from Tempe Fire Department to Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department. City officials stated that the new name better represented the department's services.
In 2016, the department received a Certificate of Necessity from the Arizona Department of Health Services, which allowed them to start their own ambulance transportation within the city. The department began emergency medical transportation service using non sworn civilian personnel in 2017.
Stations and apparatus The department currently has seven fire stations.
Fire Station Address Engine Company Ladder Company EMS Medic Transport unit Command Unit Specialized Unit271 1450 E. Apache Blvd. Engine 271, Engine 278 Medic 271 Battalion Chief 271 Squad 278 272 3025 S. Hardy Drive Engine 272 Medic 272 Hazmat 272, Low Acuity 272 273 5400 S. McClintock Drive Engine 273 Ladder 273, Ladder Tender 273 274 300 E. Elliot Road Engine 274 Medic 274 275 723 E. Curry Road Engine 275 Fire Boat 271 276 655 S. Ash Avenue Engine 276 Ladder 276, Ladder Tender 276 Medic 276 Special Ops 276 277 8607 S. McClintock Drive Engine 277 Utility 277
Specialties There are numerous specialty groups within and in partnership with the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department.
CARE 7 CARE 7 is a 24/7 crisis response team within the city of Tempe. Members are employed by the City of Tempe and work alongside the police and fire departments to assist community members during high stress or traumatic events.
CARE 7 members may respond to domestic violence incidents, auto accidents, sexual and physical assaults, suicides, homicides, residential fires, drownings, and other unexpected deaths or injuries.
Emergency medical services Upon receiving a Certificate of Necessity from the Arizona Department of Health Services, TFMRD was allowed to start providing their own ambulance transportation service within the city of Tempe. The ambulances are staffed by non sworn civilian EMTs and paramedics. These employees work and live alongside firefighters at the fire stations, but do not have the same responsibilities as them. Civilian employees do not fight fires, they are only involved in medical incidents and transport.
Hazardous Materials Response Team The Hazardous Materials Response Team is stationed out of Station 272 and is responsible for calls involving possible hazardous materials. Members must complete a 200-hour course in order to be certified and complete roughly 50 hours of continuing education every year after that.
Technical Rescue Team The Technical Rescue Team trains for various types of rescue scenarios, including, but not limited to, rescues involving confined spaces, high angle/low angle rope rescues from rough terrain, trench rescues, structural collapses, swift water rescues, and industrial accidents. They are also trained in SCUBA responses due to the close proximity of Tempe Beach Park. Members must complete a 200 hour course in order to be certified and complete roughly 50 hours of continuing education every year after that.
Line of duty deaths Since its inception, the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department has had four line of duty deaths
Name of Firefighter Title Last Alarm Cause of Death Ed Gaicki Firefighter Paramedic January 15, 1980 Roof collapse Tommy Alexander Arriaga Firefighter March 6, 2020 Occupational cancer Scott Leatham Captain Paramedic December 19, 2024 Occupational cancer John GarzaFirefighter ParamedicNovember 7, 2025Cancer
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