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Our history

Serving Our Community Since 1977

The mission of the Golder Ranch Fire District is to provide community stability through compassionate service. We are a community and family-focused fire district with a long legacy of keeping our communities safe and advancing fire safety awareness while reducing fire risks. Learn more about the GRFD fire department history and find out why we are an award-winning fire department.

Serving Our Community Since 1977

The Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) was established in November 1977 as a volunteer service in Catalina, Arizona, with a single fire station. Over the years, GRFD has grown into a full-service, all-career agency providing fire, rescue, and emergency medical services across 238 square miles.
In 1980, GRFD expanded to provide fire coverage to the Catalina Fire District, and by 1981, joined the regional MEDS dispatching system. The district transitioned from a volunteer service to a career-only agency by 2001, officially removing “volunteer” from the name in 2013.
As the district grew, several key consolidations expanded our coverage, including the 1996 merger with Catalina and Oracle Junction Fire Districts, and the 2017 consolidation with the Mountain Vista Fire District. In 1999, GRFD began using the City of Tucson’s Public Safety Communications for dispatch services.

In 2017, GRFD signed an automatic aid agreement with the Northwest Fire District, followed by an expansion in 2020 with the City of Tucson Fire Department. This collaboration allows for faster response times and improved resources in emergency situations.

GRFD began offering ambulance services in 1980 and now holds Certificate of Necessity (CON #56), covering 145 square miles in southern Pinal County.

The district also earned accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), reaffirming our commitment to high standards in fire and EMS services.

Looking to the Future

Today, GRFD serves over 100,000 residents in the Town of Oro Valley, Catalina, SaddleBrooke, SaddleBrooke Ranch, unincorporated Pima and Pinal Counties as well as a small section of the Town of Marana. The district has ten fire stations and a dedicated team of more than 300 employees.
Are you located in our district?
Are you located in our district?

Your Future Career at Golder Ranch

Interested in becoming a firefighter or exploring administrative and service career opportunities we have to offer? Visit our careers page to take a look at our open positions.

View careers at golder ranch
  • Careers portal
  • Preparing for the physical demands of being a firefighter
  • Learn how to become a Golder Ranch firefighter

Tom Brandhuber

Fire Chief

Chris Grissom

Assistant Chief of EMS – Fire Response

Eric Perry

Assistant Chief of Community Risk Reduction

Grant Cesarek

Assistant Chief of Support Services

Meet Our Team

Our fire team is led by Fire Chief Brandhuber and our Senior Chiefs, Chris Grissom, Eric Perry, and Grant Cesarek. Learn more about us here and find out how to join us and become a Golder Ranch Fire District firefighter.
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