City of Maricopa Takes Major Step Toward Future Ambulance Service

For years, Maricopa Fire/Medical crews have responded to emergencies across one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities, providing critical care, stabilizing patients, and preparing them for the next phase of medical treatment. 

Now, the city is one step closer to carrying that care even further by gaining the ability to transport the patients to the hospital in Maricopa Fire/Medical ambulances. 

This week, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) granted the Maricopa Fire/Medical Department’s request to be issued an initial Certificate of Necessity (CON) application to operate ground ambulance transport services, marking a new milestone in the city’s long-term efforts to expand and strengthen local emergency medical services. 

While the approval does not immediately authorize ambulance operations, it marks continued progress as the city continues to prepares staffing, equipment, and operational systems needed to support a future transport program. 

“This is one of the most significant milestones in the history of our department,” said Fire Chief Brad Pitassi. “While there are still steps remaining in the process, however, being granted our request to be issued an initial CON at this step is a direct reflection of the service our personnel delivers — one shift, one call, and one patient interaction at a time.” 

The Certificate of Necessity process is a rigorous and highly regulated state approval process that evaluates the community’s need for ambulance service, and the applicant's operational readiness, financial sustainability, and the applicant’s ability to provide quality patient care. 

The effort to secure the CON has spanned more than two years and involved extensive coordination between city staff, legal counsel, financial experts, and fire department leadership. 

Under state procedures, there is now a 30-day period during which an existing ambulance provider may file a request to intervene or appeal the ADHS decision. Should that occur, the matter would move through an administrative hearing process before a recommendation is returned to the ADHS Director. 

In the meantime, the city and fire department will continue preparing operational and financial components necessary for a future ambulance transport program, including increased staffing, training, and the delivery of ambulances and related equipment. 

City and fire department leadership remain confident in the strength of the application and the case presented to ADHS. 

“We’ve done the work. We’ve built the case. We’re prepared for whatever comes next,” Pitassi said. 

If ultimately finalized, the CON approval would allow the Maricopa Fire/Medical Department to directly operate ground ambulance transport services, further enhancing continuity of care for residents and strengthening emergency response capabilities as the city continues to grow. 

“This department has earned this milestone,” Pitassi added. “I’m incredibly proud of our staff and excited to watch us enter this next chapter in our history.”