Maricopa Fire/Medical Department is responding to more emergencies than ever, preparing to launch its own ambulance service and laying the groundwork for a fifth fire station.

Those were among the key updates Fire Chief Brad Pitassi shared during the department’s 2025 annual report presentation to city council last week.

The report highlighted a year of continued growth, major equipment purchases, expanded training and new community outreach programs. It also offered a glimpse at what’s ahead as city leaders work to keep pace with Maricopa’s rapidly growing population.

“We are a growing city and our call volumes [are] reflective of that,” Pitassi said.

Here are four takeaways:

Calls keep climbing

The department responded to about 6,800 incidents in 2025, a slight increase from nearly 6,500 the year before. Total calls for service — which includes every fire vehicle dispatched to an incident — increased nearly 20%.

About 85% of calls were EMS-related, with falls, sick-person calls and chest pain among the most common emergencies firefighters responded to last year.

Station 573 is moving forward

The city has secured land near Sonoran Desert Parkway and Porter Road for future Station 573, which is expected to improve coverage and response times for the area. The station is currently projected to open in 2029.

Ambulance service remains on track

Maricopa’s planned ambulance service is still targeting a first-quarter 2027 launch after receiving authorization from the Arizona Department of Health Services in May.

“It doesn’t change our timeline on our rollout for that program,” Pitassi said, referring to the possibility of an appeal of the state’s decision.

Once operational, the city expects to have four dedicated ambulances stationed within the city. 

Major investments are underway

The department ordered 10 new vehicles, including future engines for Stations 573 and 576, replacement trucks and six ambulances.

Other milestones included launching a smoke detector assistance program, reinstating the fire marshal position and promoting Capt. Shayen Paris as the department’s first female fire captain.

Looking back on the department’s growth, Pitassi said, “The leaps and bounds that we’ve made over the last five years have been incredible.”