To the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and the Citizens of Glendale –

2008 was a milestone year for Glendale as we gained international attention by successfully hosting Super Bowl XLII.  Thousands of staff hours went into planning and coordinating our fire safety and emergency medical presence at the game, the NFL Experience, and various pregame festivities. Resources and personnel from public safety agencies at every level united to form a cooperative security network never before attempted in Arizona.  The result was a resounding success that other Super Bowl host cities are seeking to emulate.  It is a testament to the creativity and can-do spirit of our organization, and all city staff.

Local businesses stand to benefit from an Insurance Service Office (ISO) review of the city’s capacity to prevent, control and respond to fires. The ISO rating signifies, on a scale of 1 to 10, the level at which we are able to mitigate structure fires in our community. 

A favorable rating can lower the cost of fire insurance premiums paid by local businesses, and is an enticement to new businesses looking to locate in the valley. While Glendale’s previous rating of “3” was already strong, we raised the bar to an impressive rating of “2” in this latest ISO analysis.  This reflects the city’s level of commitment to protecting the lives and property of our citizens.

Several service enhancements were undertaken in 2008.  In December, we became the first fire department in the country to enlist a K-9 member to our Crisis Response Team. In May, ground was broken for the construction of new Fire Station 151, which is being moved from its current location at 55th Avenue and Orangewood, to its new home at 52nd Avenue and Lamar. The new site will enable faster access to major arterial streets, which will improve response times, and it will eliminate the daily emergency vehicle traffic on residential Orangewood Avenue. Other capital projects begun in 2008 include the relocation of Fire Administration to the Bank of America Plaza, and the replacement of two pumpers, two ladder trucks, two ladder tender vehicles, and the hazardous materials unit.

Our Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center (GRPSTC) received national attention when it was awarded Fire Chief Magazine’s 2008 Station Style Design Award, praising its appearance and functionality. The facility has proven to be a valuable resource for all of its partners. In its first full year of operation, over 35,000 hours of training were provided to our personnel, enhancing their skills and safety awareness. 

Through the diligence and creativity of our personnel, Glendale Fire Department has become a leader among fire departments nationally. I am honored to represent this talented and dedicated group of professionals, both sworn and civilian.  Their service to the community is second to none, and the people who live, work, play and shop in Glendale can rest assured, they are always in caring, capable hands. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and commitment to the mission of the Glendale Fire Department.

Always at your service,

Mark Burdick
Fire Chief