Carefree, Rural Metro celebrate new contract

OPINION — Rural Metro Fire is proud to announce approval of a new 10-year fire protection services agreement with the Town of Carefree, reinforcing a long-term commitment to public safety and community partnership.

On April 7, the Carefree Town Council approved the agreement during its meeting at Town Council Chambers. The contract represents an extension of Rural Metro’s longstanding relationship with the Town of Carefree. The agreement will ensure continuity of service and long-term stability for residents and businesses through 2037 and beyond.

Carefree Mayor John Crane praised the department’s leadership. “Our relationship with Rural Metro has literally never been better. And that just goes from top to bottom,” Crane said. “The firemen in our town have never been engaged as much as they are today in our community.”

For towns, cities and municipalities weighing how best to deliver fire protection, this contract demonstrates that Rural Metro is a trusted partner capable of running and managing their fire departments cost-effectively and at the highest standard of service.

Rural Metro Fire has demonstrated that commitment to Carefree through ongoing community engagement, including leading crash response training at Sky Ranch Airport and partnering with Foothills Caring Corps to develop evacuation plans for residents needing additional assistance.

“This is what community-first fire protection looks like,” said Rural Metro’s Chief Commercial Officer Luke Doiron. “We want this to be a permanent relationship not just to the benefit of Carefree residents but our firefighters, team members, and everyone else who works tirelessly to keep this community safe. We are grateful for the opportunity.”

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