Since first beginning operations in the community nearly 20 years ago, the team of Rural/Metro Fire Department has been committed to Rancho Sahuarita. From emergency response and prevention services, to educational safety outreach efforts and events, the local team works to ensure that residents of the community are protected and their safety needs are provided for to the highest standard possible.
By employing dedicated, highly trained first responders, Rural/Metro takes great deal of pride in providing a superior level of customer service. The team’s primary goal remains steadfast—to provide for the safety of the public and continue their efforts toward overall community risk reduction. In addition to the emergency services they provide on a daily basis, team members also pride themselves on the level of involvement with the community in non-emergent events. Here are some of the event highlights from 2015:
- Love of Reading – Rural/Metro firefighters went to local schools and read books to the children of Sahuarita.
- Sahuarita Spring Festival – Provided first aid for attendees and partnered with the Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED) to provide staff for the first aid station and the Easter Bunny.
- Red, White and Boom 4th of July Event – First aid and fire watch for the boat race, event, and fireworks show.
- Rancho Sahuarita Safety Fair – Provided first aid and health tips for the residents of Rancho Sahuarita.
- A+ Celebrations – Proudly participated in celebrating the accomplishments of Anza Trail and Sahuarita Elementary schools for their A+ rating.
- Special Olympics Torch Run – Rural/Metro firefighters ran with Sahuarita Police Department in the Sahuarita leg of the Special Olympics Torch Run. The route started at the Sahuarita Town Hall complex and ended at the North Santa Cruz Park where lunch and refreshments were provided to all participants.
- Sahuarita Triathlon – First aid stand-by and free pancake breakfast for race participants.
- Sahuarita Spooktacular – Built and staffed the haunted house for the event. This year’s theme was “The Toy Box” where spooky toys came to life. More than 5,000 people attended this event.
- Winter Parade – Rural/Metro Fire and Southwest Ambulance decorated their trucks for the event. Ladder 79 also had the distinct honor of escorting Santa on the parade route.
- Pancakes with Santa – Free pancake breakfast and toy drive at Fire Station 82 located on the north end of Rancho Sahuarita.
- Christmas Morning Visit from Santa – After his long journey on Christmas Eve, Santa took a ride on Engine 79 through Rancho Sahuarita and passed out candy, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas before a much needed rest.
These are just a few events RMFD was proud to participate in last year—the total number exceeded 100. Captain Jay Karlik spoke of their extensive event involvement history, and the many opportunities that they have had to impact the community in which they serve. “We enjoy every opportunity to participate in community events and espouse our message of fire safety and the importance of investing in the people we serve. Rural/Metro Fire Department looks forward to continue the tradition of involvement in Rancho Sahuarita and surrounding communities, and we wish you the happiest and healthiest 2016.”
Rural/Metro Fire® is the local provider of fire protection and emergency medical services for Rancho Sahuarita. Rural/Metro operates in areas where there is no public, municipal or city fire department. In these areas, fire service is not covered by taxes. Homeowners must sign up to receive a Rural/Metro Fire membership to ensure they have protection coverage.
A Rural/Metro Fire membership covers a lot more than fire protection including medical emergencies, medical aid at vehicle crashes, water and rope rescues, large animal rescues, pet resuscitation, annual Home Safety Inspection, community health and safety programs and more!