The Phoenix City Council has approved spending $7.8 million annually to add 58 new positions to the fire department.

The council voted Wednesday, Dec. 7, to add the jobs in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

“The Phoenix Fire Department is very grateful to the city leadership for supporting this critical need," Phoenix Fire Chief Mike Duran said.

“This will place more resources in the system that will improve response times so that we can help our residents as quickly as possible."

Some of the new positions are dedicated to Phoenix Fire's aviation and rescue unit. The others will be assigned to Phoenix Fire Station 62, which is being built, according to a release.

“It is important to hire the staff prior to the completion of Fire Station 62 so that we can hit the ground running," Duran said. “In the interim, we can benefit from the added personnel."

Councilwoman Ann O'Brien said Wednesday: "As the city grows, we need to ensure our public safety services are adequately growing."