GOVERNMENT
F.D. turns 20 A conversation about the future with Chief Brad Pitassi BY BRIAN PETERSHEIM JR.
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S INMARICOPA ’S BREAKING news reporter, you’ve probably seen me at the scene of a car crash, fire or emergency within city limits.
PETERSHEIM: Tell me a bit about the upcoming retirements. PITASSI: Over half of my department is going to be eligible to retire in the next three years. A vast majority of us were hired around the same time—between 2005 and the end of 2006. I was No. 55. We added a few more after that, but starting in early 2027, all those members will be eligible to retire at their 20-year mark. That means a massive turnover is coming. And with that, we’re losing 20 years of experience, training and education. They’ll be replaced by firefighters fresh out of the academy — motivated, eager to serve and ready to learn. You can’t rush 20 years of experience. But we’re also preparing for our ambulance service, which could bring 30 new firefighters, plus 15 more with future fire stations. So, we could be looking at nearly 50% turnover and 45 new hires in just a few years. This department will look very different. That said, it’s an amazing opportunity. Those original members took a risk — joining a new department with no history, no guarantees. Losing their stories and culture will be a hit. But we’re also bringing in new energy. Some of our probationary firefighters have already pitched After nearly five years on the job, many of the Maricopa Fire and Medical Department’s crews are starting to recognize me. Sometimes, a firefighter will repost one of my photos — capturing them mid-rescue or at the scene of a fire — on social media. It’s one of those rare perks of journalism: watching people share moments they’re proud of. I recently sat down with Fire Chief Brad Pitassi to talk about the department’s 20-year legacy and its future. With a wave of retirements looming and major expansions on the horizon, Pitassi sees both challenges and opportunities ahead. Below is a condensed and edited version of our conversation.
Maricopa Fire Chief Brad Pitassi
InMaricopa.com | June 2025
June 2025 | InMaricopa.com
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