Cave Creek honors Jim Ford as he announces December retirement; fire department previews new West Side station

Jim Ford, the Town of Cave Creek’s director of community risk management, announced he will retire effective Dec. 1 and delivered the fire and emergency medical services first‑quarter report to the Town Council. "I'm gonna officially retire December 1 from from Cave Creek," Ford said, thanking council and staff for four years of cooperation and support.

Ford told council that EMS calls make up about 75–80 percent of the department’s workload and reviewed quarterly incident charts and mutual‑aid responses. He said the department recorded 18 trail rescues during the fiscal year (five on Black Mountain, seven on Spurcross, six at Cave Creek Regional Park) and cited outreach, opioid‑grant work and Firewise community certifications as reasons the town had fewer major incidents over the July 4 holiday.

Daisy Mountain Fire representatives and Chief Tobin described progress on a new station (Fire Station 144), reporting construction is ahead of schedule and under budget with an in‑service date of Jan. 12, 2026, and a public grand‑opening planned for Jan. 10, 2026. "We would love for you to join us," Chief Tobin said of the community opening.

Council formally recognized Ford’s career and contributions at the meeting and presented him with a plaque. Mayor Morris said Ford’s work will leave the town “safer for decades,” and Ford said he will continue to serve as executive director for the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association after his retirement.

What’s next: The department will continue staffing and training plans tied to the new station opening and will provide follow‑up reports to council on operational readiness and community outreach programs.