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

2009 was a year of challenge and change in the community. The nationwide economic slowdown that began in 2008 proved to be particularly acute in Arizona, causing many cities to reduce staffing and re-evaluate their service delivery capability. In Glendale, employees at all levels contributed to finding ways to control costs while maintaining services. The fire department routinely evaluates its business practices to find new ways of delivering quality service. It is particularly important at this time to meet the challenges that lie ahead as the local economy begins its slow but welcome recovery. The department continues to earn high marks for efficiency with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

2009 was also a year for celebration. The fire department achieved several significant accomplishments despite the trying economy:

• In July, Fire Station 151 opened for business in its new location at 52nd Avenue and Lamar, providing emergency responders more immediate access to arterial streets in the busy downtown area.
• Through an effective Labor/Management Process, a third ladder truck will soon be deployed, using existing resources to provide the city with an alternative fire suppression vehicle.
• The department began the process of converting its three ladder trucks into Advanced Life Support (ALS) units and staffing them with paramedics. This simple service improvement will increase the department’s ALS response capability by 20%.
• The department embarked on a year-long evaluation of its equipment deployment plan. Analysis of incident and response data for each square mile in Glendale was used to determine the most strategic apparatus placement options.
• Eight emergency response vehicles were replaced, providing the community with continually reliable, mechanically sound equipment. New vehicles include one ladder truck, two ladder tenders, two engine pumpers, the hazardous materials truck and two battalion chief vehicles.
• In December, Fire Administration celebrated its first full year in its new home in the Bank of America building across from City Hall in downtown Glendale. Bringing fire officials together into one, central location produces a more efficient management process and eliminates the time and expense of traveling between satellite offices.
• On behalf of all members of the Glendale Fire Department, I wish to extend our sincere thanks for your continued support of our mission. We are proud of the services we provide to the community and will continue to be responsible stewards of your resources, safety and trust.

Always at your service,

Mark Burdick
Fire Chief