Ten Years Strong: Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority Celebrates a Decade of Service and Innovation

Photo: CAFMA crews train on a vehicle fire scenario to maintain readiness and strengthen emergency response skills

The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary on July 1, 2026, marking a decade of protecting lives and property throughout central Yavapai County. Since becoming Arizona’s first Fire Authority in 2016, CAFMA has grown into a regional public safety leader, serving approximately 100,000 residents across 369 square miles while continually enhancing emergency response, prevention, and community services.

The journey began in June 2014, when the Central Yavapai Fire District and the Chino Valley Fire District entered into a Joint Management Agreement, sharing leadership and administrative services. After extensive research and planning, the two districts pursued a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) model to improve efficiencies and maximize resources. On October 15, 2015, the governing boards formally signed the agreement creating CAFMA, establishing a new model for fire and emergency services in Arizona.

“Ten years ago, a bold decision was made to create something new and innovative for Arizona’s fire service,” said CAFMA Fire Chief John Feddema. “That vision has allowed us to provide high-quality emergency services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources. This anniversary is a celebration of our employees, our partners, and the communities we are honored to serve every day.”

Photo: Engine 63 in Paulden, Arizona

Today, the agency staffs ten full-time fire stations, a 40-hour peak response time engine, and two reserve stations serving the communities of Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, Paulden, Williamson Valley, and surrounding unincorporated areas.

CAFMA’s mission is to protect life and property through prevention and response. The organization provides a wide range of services, including emergency medical response, fire suppression, wildland firefighting, technical rescue, fire prevention, public education, community outreach, and specialized emergency operations.

Over the past decade, CAFMA has continually expanded and enhanced the services it provides to the community. One of the most significant milestones was the launch of CAFMA’s ambulance transport service, which strengthened the local 9-1-1 emergency medical system by providing two dedicated ambulance resources within the Authority’s service area. The program improved continuity of patient care, increased local control over emergency medical services, and helped ensure residents and visitors receive timely, high-quality medical transport when they need it most.

The agency reached another historic milestone in 2026 when it was awarded Accredited Agency status by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). The prestigious five-year accreditation recognizes excellence in planning, performance, accountability, and continuous improvement, placing CAFMA among an elite group of fire agencies nationwide.

As CAFMA reflects on the past decade, the Authority remains focused on the future by continuing to invest in its workforce, strengthen regional partnerships, enhance emergency response capabilities, and provide exceptional service to the residents and visitors of central Arizona.

For more information about CAFMA, visit www.cazfire.gov.

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ABOUT THE CENTRAL ARIZONA FIRE AND MEDICAL AUTHORITY
The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) provides emergency services, all-hazards response, and community safety education across 369 square miles of Yavapai County, Arizona, including the towns of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, parts of Paulden, and surrounding areas of Prescott. Headquartered in Prescott Valley, CAFMA is dedicated to protecting life and property through prevention and response while fostering strong partnerships with the communities it serves. Learn more at cazfire.gov.