Our History
Founded in 2007, the Professional Firefighters of Maricopa Local 4561 has a proud history of service, sacrifice, and safety.
The City of Maricopa Fire/Medical Department was first formed as a Volunteer Fire District by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors in 1976. The formation of the district was at the request of the residents living in a 46 square mile circumference around the community of Maricopa.
The exact date of incorporation is unknown. The Fire District was named the Maricopa Volunteer Fire District.
The Maricopa Volunteer Fire District at the time, was governed by a 3-person Board of Directors elected by the citizens serving four-year terms.
1976
1980
The first Fire Apparatus was a 1948 F-4 Fire Engine purchased from the Superior Fire Department in 1976 which is currently owned and being restored by Local 4561, Professional Firefighters of Maricopa in remembrance of our proud history.
The Maricopa Volunteer Fire District operated out of the NAPA Auto Parts store located at 19563 N. John Wayne Parkway.
In 1980 land was purchased at 44624 W. Garvey Avenue for the construction of a temporary modular fire station. The land purchase symbolizing a monumental milestone for the District.
Due to the slow growth of the era, the temporary modular station remained the only fire station until the housing boom in 2001. As the population increased and the need for fire protection and EMS grew, additional fire stations started emerging.
When the City of Maricopa incorporated on October 15th 2003, the City began to pursue the Maricopa Volunteer Fire District as a revenue source.
In lieu to the pursuance, the Maricopa Volunteer Fire District started its inception on March 5th 2005, as a full-time career department with the “Original Six” staff of Firefighters creating the Maricopa Fire District.
2005
2007
After the passing of a 2006 ballot initiative, a public safety property tax was implemented, the City was able to absorb the Maricopa Fire District and officially began to operate as a Municipal Fire Department under the Cities umbrella on July 1st, 2007 creating the Maricopa Fire Department.
In the timeframe of 2007 to 2013, the Maricopa Fire Department successfully completed the transition of all temporary modular fire stations to brick and mortar fire stations. During the transitioning times, the Maricopa Fire Department was changed to The City of Maricopa Fire/Medical Department.
In spring of 2020, a larger Fire Administration building was built to accommodate the existing and future needs within the City of Maricopa.
Leadership within the Fire Department realized for us to remain strong for the present and future, creating our own Local Charter would be paramount. Of equal importance, establishment prior to the District’s transition under the Cities umbrella created a tight timeline.
Through perseverance and devotion, on January 18th, 2007 IAFF Charter Local 4561, Professional Firefighters of Maricopa was born.
With an original membership representation of 46 strong “The autonomy of the Union is hereby established and secured”.
The City of Maricopa now stands as the largest city in Pinal County, Arizona.
With challenges emerging on a constant basis one thing is stagnant, the unmatched dedication and commitment our membership forged to remain together and produce unrivaled progressive change. Our future is a bright one.
2023
Union Leadership
2024 - Present
Joshua Eads
2016 - 2024
Oseah Davis
2014 - 2016
Carlos Schulz
2010 -2014
Dan Ashton
Inception - 2010
Richard Jackson
Inception - 2010
Richard Jackson
Chief Leadership
2022 - Present
Brad Pitassi
2013 - 2022
Brady Laffler
2009 - 2013
Wade Brannon
2007 - 2009
Patrick Melvin
2005 - 2007
William Kelleher
2003 - 2005
Eddie Rodriguez
1978 - 2003
Don Pearce
1976 - 1978
Dwayne Hamilton