June 2006 Plan for Helping PV with Fire Service is a Boost for Arcadia
The town of Paradise Valley is working with Phoenix to explore a potential partnership that would provide the town with fire protection and emergency medical services.
This is an opportunity not only to help a neighboring community, but also to improve emergency services for our own residents.
The Phoenix City Council and our Fire Department are working to provide the very best emergency protection in the Arcadia/Camelback Mountain neighborhood. As a member of the City Council Public Safety Subcommittee and the council member representing Arcadia, I believe a partnership with Paradise Valley is an excellent choice. Both Paradise Valley and the Arcadia/Camelback Mountain neighborhood would get better fire coverage.
Under the proposal, Phoenix firefighters would work out of Paradise Valley's two existing fire stations. The firefighters then could respond to emergency calls not only in Paradise Valley, but also in the Arcadia/Camelback Mountain neighborhood, including the popular Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail hiking areas where frequent emergencies occur.
“The Paradise Valley plan is a great opportunity to improve fire service to Paradise Valley and Phoenix,” said Assistant Fire Chief Bob Khan. “This model would cut costs for Paradise Valley and have no increased expense to the city of Phoenix.”
Khan says the Fire Department has identified a need for improved fire services in the area of Tatum and Shea boulevards and hooking up with Paradise Valley would fulfill that goal as well.
Additionally, Chief Khan stresses that the Phoenix Fire Department would bring a new level of municipal service to the entire area that would include hazardous materials and special rescue teams, our new twin-engine helicopter, ladder companies, satellite dispatch and more.
Paradise Valley is reviewing options for fire protection and emergency medical services. The town has a proposition on the May ballot that would have to pass to fund any major new programs. Paradise Valley Mayor Ron Clarke says the town's leaders are exploring a handful of choices, including the possibility of teaming with Phoenix.
The proposed partnership "looks like a win-win situation for service for Phoenix and Paradise Valley, because of the professionalism and track record of Phoenix Fire and emergency services and the location of our stations," said Clarke.
The Phoenix Fire Department would be an outstanding choice for the town of 14,000 residents. And it would be equally attractive for Phoenix and residents in the Arcadia/Camelback Mountain neighborhood.
This is a prime example of how cities working together can achieve improved services for all residents. Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents Arcadia. If you have any questions about any issues, please feel free to call Councilman Stanton's office at 602-262-7491, e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district6.
