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Rural Metro Highlights Details of Fire Services Agreement with Town of San Tan Valley
Although the Town of San Tan Valley approved its three-year fire services agreement with Rural Metro Fire in December, the department issued an official announcement this week outlining additional details about the partnership.
The agreement, approved by the San Tan Valley Town Council on December 17, formalizes the working relationship between the Town and Rural Metro Fire as the newly incorporated community transitions into municipal governance. As previously reported by SanTanValley.com, the agreement maintains Rural Metro's existing subscription-based model for fire protection services.In the announcement we received February 12, Rural Metro Fire emphasized that service levels will remain unchanged under the agreement.
According to the department, Rural Metro will continue operating three fire stations within San Tan Valley, staffed by current personnel and supported by 10 apparatus, including fire engines and response vehicles.
"We are proud to continue serving the residents of San Tan Valley and to provide stability during this important transition," said Rural Metro Fire Chief Tim Soule in the statement. "This agreement ensures that our firefighters, equipment, and stations remain in place while we invest further in the community and work collaboratively with Town leadership to meet both current and future public safety needs."
What the Agreement Includes
Rural Metro outlined several key components of the agreement:
- Continuous Fire Protection Services: Emergency response services will continue without interruption.
- No Direct Cost to the Town: The agreement does not require the Town of San Tan Valley to expend public funds or assume financial liability for fire protection services. Residents who choose coverage will continue to contract directly with Rural Metro under the subscription model.
- Additional Investment: Rural Metro has committed to placing a new ladder truck into service by June 30, 2026, repainting emergency vehicles, and constructing an additional fire station within San Tan Valley at its own expense.
- Operational Reporting: The department will provide the Town with reports detailing response times, staffing levels, and apparatus availability.
The agreement carries an initial three-year term with automatic one-year renewals.
What About Residents Outside the Town Boundaries?
Residents living in unincorporated areas of San Tan Valley will not see any changes to fire service under this agreement.
Rural Metro officials confirmed that the agreement with the Town does not affect service levels for those outside the incorporated boundaries. Fire protection will continue to operate under the same subscription-based model currently in place.
In addition, fire units are not restricted to incorporated areas. As has always been the case, apparatus and personnel may respond across boundaries when additional resources are needed. The planned addition of a new ladder truck will be available to support calls throughout the greater San Tan Valley area.
While the structure of fire protection in San Tan Valley remains subscription-based for residents, the formal agreement provides a defined framework between the Town and Rural Metro as incorporation moves forward and long-term public safety planning continues.Rural Metro officials said the agreement reflects their continued commitment to serving the community during this period of growth and transition.
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