The City of Chandler, Arizona, Fire Department is a progressive, internationally accredited organization with an ISO Class 1 rating and a distinguished history of service to the community. Chandler Fire started as a volunteer organization and is now an all-career department. The city charter authorizes the Department to mitigate all hazards, including fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and crisis intervention. In support of those functions, the Fire Department staffs a fire prevention bureau, EMS and training divisions, mechanical maintenance facility, community preparedness office, and Department administration.
Chandler Fire is one of the most respected agencies in the Phoenix Valley Metro area. From the beginning, the hiring process sets us apart. Our unique “Candidate Assessment Program” (CAP) is a six-week evaluation that takes place at the end of the hiring process. During this time, applicants are assessed on critical attributes such as teamwork, adaptability, communication, and physical performance. It’s a demanding process, but one that ensures only the top 1–2% of candidates are selected to join the department. This leads to a highly competitive environment, where even promotional tests often come down to fractions of a percentage point.
Our workforce is made up of highly capable and dedicated professionals who take pride in being both competent firefighters and skilled paramedics. Chandler Fire also offers its own accredited paramedic program, which allows members to remain on shift and earn overtime while completing school—an uncommon but appreciated benefit.
Morale across the department is generally strong. Leadership has been supportive of things like station-specific hats to boost pride and camaraderie. Our local union is active and well-supported by most members. Like many growing departments, we’ve faced some recent challenges in hiring, including concerns that a few hires may have prioritized diversity over competency. While this doesn’t represent the majority, it’s something members have noticed.
That said, Chandler Fire continues to be a progressive and aggressive agency. Our medical protocols are forward-thinking, and we have several internal committees focused on improving all aspects of the job—from apparatus and PPE to cancer prevention and member wellness.
If there’s one area for improvement, it would be strengthening communication and alignment between senior staff and line personnel. At times, there can be a disconnect, but efforts are ongoing to bridge that gap.
Overall, I’d confidently put Chandler Fire up against any department in the state. We take pride in our work, care deeply about the citizens we serve, and are always looking to evolve.
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1 Reviews on “Chandler Fire Department”
Chandler Fire is one of the most respected agencies in the Phoenix Valley Metro area. From the beginning, the hiring process sets us apart. Our unique “Candidate Assessment Program” (CAP) is a six-week evaluation that takes place at the end of the hiring process. During this time, applicants are assessed on critical attributes such as teamwork, adaptability, communication, and physical performance. It’s a demanding process, but one that ensures only the top 1–2% of candidates are selected to join the department. This leads to a highly competitive environment, where even promotional tests often come down to fractions of a percentage point.
Our workforce is made up of highly capable and dedicated professionals who take pride in being both competent firefighters and skilled paramedics. Chandler Fire also offers its own accredited paramedic program, which allows members to remain on shift and earn overtime while completing school—an uncommon but appreciated benefit.
Morale across the department is generally strong. Leadership has been supportive of things like station-specific hats to boost pride and camaraderie. Our local union is active and well-supported by most members. Like many growing departments, we’ve faced some recent challenges in hiring, including concerns that a few hires may have prioritized diversity over competency. While this doesn’t represent the majority, it’s something members have noticed.
That said, Chandler Fire continues to be a progressive and aggressive agency. Our medical protocols are forward-thinking, and we have several internal committees focused on improving all aspects of the job—from apparatus and PPE to cancer prevention and member wellness.
If there’s one area for improvement, it would be strengthening communication and alignment between senior staff and line personnel. At times, there can be a disconnect, but efforts are ongoing to bridge that gap.
Overall, I’d confidently put Chandler Fire up against any department in the state. We take pride in our work, care deeply about the citizens we serve, and are always looking to evolve.