In February 2017, the Governing Boards of North County Fire & Medical District (formerly Fire District of Sun City West and Wittmann Fire District) and South County Fire & Medical District (formerly the Sun Lakes and Tonopah Fire Districts) approved the adoption of an Intergovernmental Agreement forming the first Fire & Medical Authority in Maricopa County, Arizona. The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority (AFMA) was established pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes governing a Joint Powers Authority (JPA). In 2023, Buckeye Valley Fire District became a third partner agency under the Authority. Under this model, the districts retain local control over their budgets and services provided while maintaining separate tax rates. However, the personnel, equipment, facilities and daily operations of the combined districts are governed by a JPA or Authority Governing Board. The Authority Governing Board is comprised of seven governing board members who are appointed from each partner agency in the JPA with the goal of providing equitable representation. Two board members are appointed by each partner agency with a seventh board member appointed by the AFMA Governing Board.
AFMA is a department made up of several agencies. It hasn’t always been perfect, but it’s got a lot of heart. With a mix of busy and slow stations, urban and rural areas, there’s a diversity of experience that makes this place unique.
The department takes pride in taking care of its members. There have been challenges, but leadership seems willing to adapt when problems are identified. Management works well with labor, and the fire board appears to care just as much about the firefighters as they do about the community we serve.
We’re not perfect—but as things stand, I’d choose this department over any other in the Valley. I’m giving it 5 stars. Realistically, it’s probably more like 4.5, but I’m rounding up based on the direction we’re headed.
AFMA is still growing and learning from its prior merger’s. Leadership is getting better and trying to improve all condition’s and stop the negativity at the forefront. Benefits and wages continue to get better as labor is becoming more and more involved. We seem to be on a better path of trying to improve internally. Fleet is aged and recognized as so. Staffing is behind and causing some coverage and mandatory issues, but not as bad as outlying departments.
AFMA has made a lot of strides lately, and the progress is noticeable. The pay is competitive, and overall working conditions have significantly improved. A big part of that improvement stems from recent changes in administration—some less effective chiefs have either retired or been reassigned, and the departure of a particularly difficult HR presence has made a major difference in day-to-day morale.
There’s a strong and productive relationship between admin and labor, which helps with trust and morale across the organization. If we can continue in this direction—and especially improve hiring to help reduce mandatory staffing—that would go a long way. If that happens, AFMA truly has the potential to be one of the best departments to work for in the Valley.
Rating Breakdown
4.3/5
3.7/5
4/5
2.7/5
3 Reviews on “Arizona Fire & Medical Authority”
AFMA is a department made up of several agencies. It hasn’t always been perfect, but it’s got a lot of heart. With a mix of busy and slow stations, urban and rural areas, there’s a diversity of experience that makes this place unique.
The department takes pride in taking care of its members. There have been challenges, but leadership seems willing to adapt when problems are identified. Management works well with labor, and the fire board appears to care just as much about the firefighters as they do about the community we serve.
We’re not perfect—but as things stand, I’d choose this department over any other in the Valley. I’m giving it 5 stars. Realistically, it’s probably more like 4.5, but I’m rounding up based on the direction we’re headed.
AFMA is still growing and learning from its prior merger’s. Leadership is getting better and trying to improve all condition’s and stop the negativity at the forefront. Benefits and wages continue to get better as labor is becoming more and more involved. We seem to be on a better path of trying to improve internally. Fleet is aged and recognized as so. Staffing is behind and causing some coverage and mandatory issues, but not as bad as outlying departments.
AFMA has made a lot of strides lately, and the progress is noticeable. The pay is competitive, and overall working conditions have significantly improved. A big part of that improvement stems from recent changes in administration—some less effective chiefs have either retired or been reassigned, and the departure of a particularly difficult HR presence has made a major difference in day-to-day morale.
There’s a strong and productive relationship between admin and labor, which helps with trust and morale across the organization. If we can continue in this direction—and especially improve hiring to help reduce mandatory staffing—that would go a long way. If that happens, AFMA truly has the potential to be one of the best departments to work for in the Valley.