Thanks to the efforts of concerned citizens, dedicated public officials, and voters willing to tax themselves, the availability of emergency services in Northeast Rio Rico continues to improve. On May 19, 2009 the Tubac Fire District officially broke ground on the construction of Station #3 at 333 Camino Josefina near the eastern intersection with Vereda Patria.

Tubac Fire District Chief Kevin Keeley and members of his board of directors and firefighting personnel were joined at the celebration by area residents, project contractors, and public officials.

Keeley thanked his board and the citizens who helped promote and pass the bond issue last November. He said the project will take 10-12 months to complete. Within 90-120 days Station #4 begins construction at Ruta Cameron above N. Pendleton Dr. near Palo Parado Road. Improvements to other stations are planned for the future.

Avatar donated the land for the station and the following local contractors are involved with the project: ALR Engineering, Kory Engineering, GRG Construction, Otero Brothers Electric, Rio Rico Rentals, Bustamante Refrigeration, Valley Septic, and DLO Plumbing

Until last December, there was no fire station north of Rio Rico Drive and east of I-19. Response times to fires and medical emergencies was very long, especially during the monsoons when the wet crossings of the Santa Cruz River were impassable. Rapid growth during the last decade exacerbated the problem. The residents of the area were concerned enough about this situation to be motivated to form several action groups working to improve access and increase service. Personnel from both Tubac and Rio Rico Fire Departments were cooperative, meeting with residents and answering questions.

Keeley and the volunteer board of directors of the Tubac Fire Department worked hard, and successfully, to educate the public and convince them to pass a $15 million bond measure to fund the construction of two new stations, improvements to the existing ones, and purchase of upgraded equipment.

Meanwhile, a temporary fire station located in a rented house at 181 Vereda Patria is currently serving residents of Northeast Rio Rico. Response times are now shorter, but crews still need to become familiar with local roads. The inaccuracy and inadequacies of the maps of this area can result in responders taking longer routes than necessary to reach emergencies. Local residents are welcome to visit the temporary station to make sure the fire department knows how to locate their addresses.