8 Critical Updates: What The Goodyear Fire Department AZ Is Doing Right Now To Protect The West Valley

The department, under the leadership of Fire Chief Paul Luizzi, is not just responding to emergencies; it is strategically investing in long-term public safety and firefighter health, setting a new standard for fire services across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. From the latest station openings to unique youth programs, the GFD is evolving to meet the complex demands of a rapidly expanding West Valley community.

The Goodyear Fire Department: A Snapshot of Current Leadership and Stations

To understand the scope of the Goodyear Fire Department's operations, it's essential to know its structure, which is designed to provide rapid emergency medical services (EMS) and fire suppression across a wide geographic area. The department is a key component of the City of Goodyear's public safety sector.

• Fire Chief: Paul Luizzi, who has served in the role since 2013. Chief Luizzi is a prominent figure in regional public safety, also serving as the EMS Section Chair for the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association.
• City Manager: Wynette Reed.
• Mayor: Joe Pizzillo.
• Department Spokesperson: Ruben Real.
• Current Fire Stations: The Goodyear Fire Department operates a network of stations, including the newest Fire Station 188 (opened in February 2024), to ensure optimal response times for a growing population. The full list includes: Fire Station 181, Fire Station 182, Fire Station 183, Fire Station 184, Fire Station 185, Fire Station 186, Fire Station 187, and Fire Station 188.
• Personnel: The department oversees more than 110 firefighters.

The 2025 Growth Strategy: New Stations and Critical Upgrades

Goodyear has been identified as the ninth fastest-growing city in the country, a statistic that directly impacts the need for expanded and modernized fire services. The GFD is actively executing plans to ensure its facilities and resources can keep pace with this explosive growth.

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Future Station 187: Land Acquisition and New Permanent Facility

One of the most significant recent developments is the progress on Fire Station 187. The station is currently a mobile facility, and the Goodyear City Council took a major step in April 2025 by allocating $42,000 for the land acquisition needed for a permanent structure.

The new permanent Fire Station 187 is a priority because the current living conditions for the firefighters have been described as inadequate. The proposed design for the new building will include essential amenities like bunk beds, a kitchen, a workout area, and, crucially, a dedicated decontamination space for equipment. While the project's timeline is tentatively set for completion by the summer of 2029, the City is actively seeking to expedite the process to provide better working conditions for its first responders.

Focus on Firefighter Health and Cancer Prevention

The GFD’s new infrastructure is heavily influenced by a commitment to firefighter health, specifically addressing the high risk of occupational cancer. The design of newer stations, including the recently opened Fire Station 188, incorporates enhanced cancer-preventing safety measures.

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These measures are a direct result of lessons learned and best practices adopted nationwide, including:

• Decontamination Corridors: These are vestibules that physically separate the "clean" living areas of the station from the "dirty" business side, where contaminated gear is handled.
• On-Scene Decontamination: Firefighters are required to hose off and scrub down before removing their turnout gear entirely, with the contaminated gear stored in specially designed compartments on the fire engines (a "Clean Cab" system) to prevent contaminants from entering the cab.
• Advanced Cleaning Equipment: The GFD was the first department in the Southwest United States to invest in Solo Rescue Decon Washers, which thoroughly clean air tanks and face masks, further limiting exposure to carcinogens.

Planning for 2035: Strategic Demand Projection

The department is not only focused on immediate needs but also on long-term planning. The GFD has commissioned ORH LTD to project demand up to the year 2035. This strategic analysis considers factors like increasing population, an aging demographic, and the likelihood of higher EMS assistance requests. The goal is to determine the optimal locations for future stations to maintain swift response times across a growing geographic area.

Community Engagement and Essential Public Safety Programs

Beyond emergency response, the Goodyear Fire Department is deeply involved in community risk reduction (CRR) through a wide array of educational and safety initiatives. These programs are vital for enhancing community resilience and safety across the West Valley, utilizing LSI keywords like Goodyear fire safety and community risk reduction.

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1. Empowering Future Leaders: Camp F.I.R.E.S.

The GFD hosts Camp F.I.R.E.S. (Females in Responding Emergency Services), a notable initiative aimed at empowering high school girls. Announced in April 2025, the camp provides hands-on experience in a positive, team-building environment, exposing young women to structural firefighting and emergency medical activities. Fire Engineer Lora Davis highlighted the camp's mission to build self-confidence and leadership skills, including activities like climbing a 100-foot ladder.

2. Holiday Outreach and Community Support (December 2025)

The GFD's annual holiday outreach, supported by the Goodyear Firefighters Charities, remains a cornerstone of its community involvement. In December 2025, the PebbleCreek Ladies Who Lunch group delivered lunch to firefighters at Station 185 and donated boxes of new toys to bolster the annual toy drive. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are accepted at all Goodyear Fire Stations and at a donation tent set up at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park until Christmas.

3. Essential Home Safety and Emergency Access

The Community Education Division runs several critical programs to protect residents, including:

• Home SAFE Home Safety Checks: This program offers customized home escape plans, smoke alarm assessments, and a free carbon monoxide alarm.
• Residential Lock Box Program: Designed to allow first responders access to homes during medical or other emergencies without causing property damage, which is particularly helpful for elderly or disabled residents.
• Child Safety Seat Inspections: Certified Child Passenger Seat Technicians help Goodyear and Litchfield Park residents correctly install child safety seats, emphasizing the importance of keeping children properly restrained.
• Youth Firesetter Program: This educational intervention program assists parents, schools, and caregivers when a child or adolescent exhibits curiosity firesetting behavior, providing education and resources.

4. Public Safety & Education Focus: Lithium-ion Battery Safety

In a recent December 2025 "lunch-and-learn" event, firefighters provided updates on emergency services and specifically offered reminders about lithium-ion battery safety. As personal electronics and electric vehicles become more common, the GFD is proactively educating the public on the fire risks associated with these batteries.

Goodyear Firefighters in the News: Recent Incidents and Heroism

The dedication of GFD personnel is continually demonstrated through their responses to significant incidents and acts of heroism, reinforcing the department's role as a vital emergency service provider.

Tragic Residential Fire Incident (December 2025)

The GFD was recently called to a fatal house fire near Citrus and Yuma Roads in December 2025. Crews were forced to go defensive after flames began venting from the roof and a partial collapse occurred. Following the extinguishment of the flames, the homeowner, later identified as Sripan Roemer, was found deceased inside the home. The incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by both residents and first responders in the community.

Inter-Agency Heroism (June 2025)

In an inspiring display of inter-agency cooperation, Goodyear Fire Captain Simeon Cheatham's daughter, Asharie Cheatham, was rescued from a serious crash on I-10 by Goodyear Police Officer Dakota Berry in June 2025. Captain Cheatham called the rescue "nothing short of a miracle," underscoring the collaborative spirit between the Goodyear Police and Fire Departments in saving lives across the region.

The Goodyear Fire Department continues to serve as a model for modern public safety. By investing in state-of-the-art, cancer-preventing facilities like Fire Station 188, planning strategic expansion to meet the 2035 population boom, and maintaining a robust community outreach portfolio, the GFD is positioned to protect the residents of Goodyear, AZ, for years to come.