The Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) is committed to delivering exceptional emergency services, community risk reduction, and compassionate care to the residents and visitors of Surprise, Arizona. With a team of highly trained firefighters, paramedics, and support personnel, SFMD provides fire suppression, advanced life support (ALS) medical response, hazardous materials response, and wildland firefighting.
Beyond emergency response, the department is deeply involved in public education, fire prevention, and community outreach efforts. Through programs like fire safety education, CPR training, and youth engagement, SFMD builds strong relationships with the community and works proactively to keep residents safe.
Rooted in teamwork, integrity, and service, the Surprise Fire-Medical Department continually trains, evolves, and grows to meet the needs of a dynamic and rapidly expanding city.
Working for Surprise Fire-Medical has genuinely been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ll be honest—Surprise sometimes gets a bad rep because we hold our members to a high physical standard and we’re selective about who we bring on. That can come off as a little intense or “douchey” to outsiders, but the truth is, we’re building something special here. Once you’re hired, you’re family—and I truly mean that.
From day one, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and supported. The culture here is about growth, pride, and being the best version of yourself for the team and the community. We’re expanding fast—with a new station being built every 2–3 years—and that means lots of hiring and plenty of promotion opportunities. Even as a probationary firefighter, there are tons of ways to get involved and make a difference.
Our facilities, trucks, and equipment are state-of-the-art—everything is top-tier and always evolving. I personally haven’t had a single negative experience working here.
The membership is awesome—we have a lot of younger firefighters who are motivated and eager to make this department the best it can be. Of course, like any workplace, there are a few people who are harder to work with—but that’s life, and it’s nothing unique to Surprise.
Our current interim fire chief (previously the assistant chief) is doing a great job while our fire chief works closely with the city manager. I honestly think we have a solid chief staff overall. Maybe I’m blind to any underlying issues, but from where I stand—it’s been all good.
Rating Breakdown
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1 Reviews on “Surprise Fire-Medical Department”
Working for Surprise Fire-Medical has genuinely been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ll be honest—Surprise sometimes gets a bad rep because we hold our members to a high physical standard and we’re selective about who we bring on. That can come off as a little intense or “douchey” to outsiders, but the truth is, we’re building something special here. Once you’re hired, you’re family—and I truly mean that.
From day one, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and supported. The culture here is about growth, pride, and being the best version of yourself for the team and the community. We’re expanding fast—with a new station being built every 2–3 years—and that means lots of hiring and plenty of promotion opportunities. Even as a probationary firefighter, there are tons of ways to get involved and make a difference.
Our facilities, trucks, and equipment are state-of-the-art—everything is top-tier and always evolving. I personally haven’t had a single negative experience working here.
The membership is awesome—we have a lot of younger firefighters who are motivated and eager to make this department the best it can be. Of course, like any workplace, there are a few people who are harder to work with—but that’s life, and it’s nothing unique to Surprise.
Our current interim fire chief (previously the assistant chief) is doing a great job while our fire chief works closely with the city manager. I honestly think we have a solid chief staff overall. Maybe I’m blind to any underlying issues, but from where I stand—it’s been all good.