Mesa Fire Department enhances safety with new facilities and expanded ambulance services

Mesa City Council's recent study session highlighted significant advancements in emergency services, with a focus on enhancing community safety and response times. Chief Laughlin emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality emergency response, noting that the city is on track to improve response times as new fire stations are set to open within the next year and a half. These facilities, including Station 22, are expected to reduce travel times and enhance service delivery across the city.

The meeting also addressed the growing call volume for emergency services, which has reached approximately 72,000 calls in the past year, primarily driven by medical emergencies. To combat this, the Mesa Fire Department is actively engaging with local communities to implement the Firewise program, aimed at reducing wildfire risks through community education and vegetation management.

In a notable development, the city has transitioned to a fully operational ambulance service, which is projected to handle around 42,000 transports annually. This shift comes after years of planning and is seen as a crucial step in ensuring timely medical assistance for residents. The council expressed optimism about the future of emergency services in Mesa, with plans for further presentations to outline the progress and strategies moving forward.