Glendale Fire Department History

The Glendale Fire Department (GFD) has a long and proud history dating back to 1912. The department was originally formed as a volunteer fire department, but it transitioned to a full-time professional department in 1956.

Over the years, the GFD has responded to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, floods, earthquakes, and hazardous materials incidents. The department has also been involved in a number of innovative programs, such as the first paramedic rescue unit in Arizona and the creation of the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center.

Timeline

Here is a timeline of some of the key events in the history of the Glendale Fire Department:

• 1912: The Glendale Fire Department is formed as a volunteer fire department.
• 1956: The GFD transitions to a full-time professional department.
• 1972: The GFD trains its first certified paramedics.
• 1975: Automatic Aid is created by Alan Brunicini and Gray Crabtree.
• 1982: The GFD opens Fire Station 154.
• 1983: The first female firefighter is hired by the GFD.
• 1997: The GFD opens Fire Station 157 and creates a Hazardous Materials Team.
• 2002: Mark Burdick assumes the role of Fire Chief.
• 2003: The NHL Phoenix Coyotes Arena opens and Fire Station 158 opens.
• 2005: The GFD opens Fire Station 159 and divides the city into BC151 (South) and BC152 (North).
• 2006: The GRFSPC (Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center) is built.
• 2007: The GFD launches the LA unit program and LA151 goes into service.
• 2015: Fire Chief Mark Burdick retires and Terry Garrison is named Fire Chief.
• 2016: Citygate & Associates Inc. completes an extensive study of standards of response and services assessment.
• 2018: Fire Station 152 is remodeled.
• 2019: MR154 is put in service and Maricopa Ambulance begins service in Glendale.
• 2020: COVID-19 rocks the world and civil unrest occurs in Glendale.
• 2021: The Glendale Fire Yearbook Committee is formed to document the department's history.
• 2022: MR153 goes in service out of Fire Station 153 and Memorial Hydrants are introduced.

The Future

The Glendale Fire Department is committed to protecting the lives and property of the people of Glendale. We are a professional, highly trained team of firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel who are dedicated to serving our community.

We are constantly looking for ways to improve our services and respond to new challenges. In the future, we plan to:

The Glendale Fire Department is a proud and important part of the Glendale community. We have a long and distinguished history of service, and we are committed to continuing to provide the highest level of service to our community in the future.