South Tucson’s Fire Station 141 is entering a new chapter.

As of Feb. 1, Rural Metro Fire Department has officially taken over fire and emergency medical services for the city, replacing its longtime volunteer ranger model with full-time, 24/7 staffing in a move city leaders say will strengthen public safety while preserving the community’s history and culture.

Rural Metro has a history of serving unincorporated communities across the county, including Catalina Foothills, Sahuarita and four other fire districts surrounding the Tucson metro area.

“Rural Metro is both proud and honored to be given the opportunity to provide fire and emergency medical services to the residents of South Tucson,” Rural Metro Chief Karl Isselhard said during the Feb. 3 South Tucson City Council meeting.

Isselhard has more than 25 years of experience in the fire service.

“As we integrate cutting-edge technologies and adopt best practices, we remain deeply committed to preserving the rich culture and history that (defines) South Tucson. There's a legacy there,” he said. “We're not here to make it something that it's not. Our goal is to continue what was already said and push that into the future and help the city grow, to help the fire department grow.”

The South Tucson City Council approved the partnership with Rural Metro in December and also authorized the purchase of a refurbished fire truck earlier this year.

The transition, which typically takes six months, was completed in just five weeks with support from the Tucson Fire Department. During that time, crews responded to eight calls in the community.

The contract between Rural Metro and the city guarantees a four-person crew.

“24/7, 365 days, you will have four people on that truck,” Isselhard said. “You will not have any question in your mind, ‘I wonder if we have three today or two today or three on the weekend,’ it is always four.”

Fire prevention is also included in the contract. Ahead of the transition, Rural Metro’s fire marshal conducted inspections in the city to assist with potential arson investigations and to identify structural hazards that could endanger firefighters responding to emergencies.

“We look forward to a future of safety, resilience and lasting community connections,” Isselhard said.

The mayor and City Council also approved the schedule for this year’s primary and general elections, with three council seats on the ballot.

The primary election will be held Aug. 4, and the general election will be held Nov. 3.

Candidates are eligible to run if they are at least 18 years old and have been residents of South Tucson for at least one year. Interested parties must declare their interest in office with the city clerk and collect no more than 27 signatures from eligible South Tucson voters.

The nomination period will be open March 7 to April 6.

Topacio “Topaz” Servellon is a reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact them at topacioserve@gmail.com.

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