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7 Critical Updates: What The City Of Tucson Fire Department Is Doing Right Now (2025)

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The City of Tucson Fire Department (TFD) is currently undergoing a significant period of modernization and community-focused strategic change, making it one of the most proactive emergency service agencies in the Southwest. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the department is not only focused on its core mission of all-hazard response but is also winning national recognition for its innovative approach to public health and safety.

This deep dive provides the most current, essential information about the TFD, from its new leadership and award-winning programs to the critical code adoptions that impact every resident and business in the region. The TFD's commitment, as outlined in its 2024 Vision, is to be widely known for its quality service and dedication to the community.

Tucson Fire Department Leadership and Core Profile (Biography)

The TFD operates under a dedicated leadership structure, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fire suppression, emergency medical services, and community engagement across the city.

  • Agency: City of Tucson Fire Department (TFD)
  • Jurisdiction: City of Tucson, Arizona
  • Current Fire Chief: Sharon McDonough
  • Appointment Date: Appointed by City Manager Timothy Thomure (Specific date varies, but this is the current, recent appointment)
  • Previous Role: Chief McDonough has served in the fire service for many years prior to her appointment.
  • Core Mission: To minimize the loss of life and property from the effects of fire, medical, or other emergencies.
  • Primary Divisions: Operations, Support Services and Community Risk Reduction (CRR), and Administrative and Personnel Services.
  • Strategic Vision (2024): To be widely known as an organization that provides high-quality service and professionalism.

The 7 Critical Updates Driving TFD's Mission in 2025

The department's commitment to innovation is evident in several key areas. These updates represent the most current and impactful changes affecting TFD operations and the safety of the Tucson community.

1. New Leadership Under Fire Chief Sharon McDonough

The appointment of Sharon McDonough as the new Fire Chief marks a significant shift in TFD's command structure. She was appointed by City Manager Timothy Thomure to lead the department, bringing a fresh perspective and extensive experience to the role. Chief McDonough is also actively involved in regional leadership, serving as a Regional Director for the Tucson Metro area in the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association. This leadership change is central to implementing the department’s 2024 Vision and future strategic initiatives.

2. The Award-Winning TC-3 Program: A National Model

One of the most innovative and successful programs is the Tucson Collaborative Community Care (TC-3). This initiative is a prime example of proactive public safety, focusing on frequent 911 callers who often have underlying social or health needs that traditional emergency services cannot solve.

The program works through robust partnerships, including a major collaboration with Tucson Medical Center (TMC), to connect these individuals with appropriate community resources and long-term care. Critically, the TC-3 program was named a 2025 AzHHA Quality Award winner for its dedication to improving patient outcomes and successfully reducing non-emergency 911 calls, cementing its status as a national model for community paramedicine.

3. Adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC)

In a major regulatory update, the City of Tucson has adopted the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC). This adoption, along with approved updates to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Code Council (ICC) model building codes, became effective on January 1, 2025. This move ensures that new construction, fire protection systems, and fire safety regulations within the city meet the most current national safety standards, significantly enhancing public protection and fire prevention efforts.

4. Renewed Focus on Community Risk Reduction (CRR)

The TFD’s commitment to prevention is managed by its Community Risk Reduction (CRR) division. CRR is not just about inspections; it’s a proactive strategy to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks across the community. Key programs under this umbrella include:

  • Home Fire Safety and Smoke Detector installation drives.
  • Drowning Prevention and Water Safety education.
  • Car Seat Safety checks and instruction.
  • Disaster Preparedness and Cold Weather Safety campaigns.

This division is key to the TFD's long-term goal of reducing emergency calls by addressing potential hazards before they escalate.

5. Financial and Personnel Stability (FY2024/2025 Budget)

The Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget for the TFD remains robust, with a clear focus on maintaining high operational readiness. The budget is heavily weighted toward personnel costs (over 90%), underscoring the department's reliance on its highly-trained firefighters and EMS personnel. Funding is specifically allocated to support the all-hazard response model, ensuring the TFD can handle everything from structure fires and technical rescues to major medical emergencies.

6. Core Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Dominance

As with most modern fire departments, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a core component of the TFD's daily operations. The vast majority of calls TFD responds to are medical in nature. The department maintains a strong focus on advanced training and quality assurance for its paramedics and EMTs, operating in tandem with the fire suppression forces to provide rapid, high-level pre-hospital care across the metropolitan area. This integrated approach is critical to improving patient outcomes citywide.

7. Key Community Engagement Events (2024-2025 Calendar)

The Tucson Firefighters Association continues to foster strong community ties through annual events, providing fresh engagement points for residents. Upcoming dates include the annual Toy Drive in November 2024, the 14th Annual Tucson Firefighters Ball in May 2025, and the Mark Paris Golf Tournament in June 2025. These events raise funds and awareness, further solidifying the TFD’s role as a pillar of the Southern Arizona community.

Tucson Fire Department Entity List (Topical Authority)

To provide a comprehensive overview, the TFD operates out of numerous stations and is supported by specialized divisions. These entities represent the physical and organizational structure of the department.

TFD Divisions and Key Programs

  • Operations Division (Fire Suppression)
  • Support Services Division
  • Administrative and Personnel Services Division
  • Tucson Collaborative Community Care (TC-3)
  • Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Bureau
  • Life Safety Education Program
  • Tucson Firefighters Association

Selected Tucson Fire Stations (TFD)

The TFD provides coverage through a network of strategically located fire stations, including:

  • Fire Central (Headquarters)
  • Fire Station 01 (Downtown)
  • Fire Station 03 (Sam Hughes)
  • Fire Station 04 (Silvercroft)
  • Fire Station 05 (Grant / Glenn)
  • Fire Station 06 (State Prison)
  • Fire Station 09 ("The House of Pain")
  • Fire Station 12
  • Fire Station 13
city of tucson fire department
city of tucson fire department

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