Fire Chief Vance Gray outlines Queen Creek's budget and fire station expansion plans

The Queen Creek Town Council held a budget meeting on April 16, 2025, where Fire Chief Vance Gray presented the fire department's budget, highlighting key needs and future plans that directly impact community safety and service efficiency.

Chief Gray reported a budget increase of approximately $5 million, primarily driven by the need for upgraded portable radios and equipment for the new Public Safety Support Building. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a Class 1 fire department status, which requires ongoing improvements in personnel and facilities. Currently, the Queen Creek Fire Medical Department employs 17 personnel, with requests for two additional positions to enhance service delivery.

A significant focus of the meeting was the planned construction of Fire Stations 6 and 7, aimed at improving response times in rapidly growing areas of Queen Creek, particularly around Ellsworth and Riggs. Chief Gray noted that the call volume in these areas has been increasing by 3 to 4% annually, necessitating the new stations to ensure timely emergency responses.

The Chief also addressed the challenges faced by the fire prevention bureau, which has seen a 34% increase in new construction inspections. He highlighted the need for additional fire inspectors to manage this workload effectively, as current staffing levels are insufficient to meet the growing demands.

In conclusion, the budget meeting underscored the town's commitment to enhancing fire and emergency services through strategic investments in personnel and infrastructure. The proposed changes aim to ensure that the Queen Creek Fire Medical Department can continue to provide high-quality service to its residents while adapting to the community's growth.