Keeping Flagstaff Safe Through Preparedness and Partnership

Keeping our community safe it always top of mind for me and for city staff. Readers will be glad to know that Flagstaff’s fire, police, and emergency management staff work closely together on safety planning and all three work with regional partners on drills to ensure they’re ever-ready for any emergency.

A large part of Flagstaff’s strategy for protection from destructive wildland fire involves many partners engaged in the planning of forest thinning treatments, prescribed fire, and wildfire response. Thanks to a recent state grant, the city is going to construct a regional wildland fire training facility. This facility will provide year-round, high-quality training opportunities for local and regional fire personnel. Serving as the base for the Flagstaff Fire Department’s (FFD) Wildland Fire Management Program (WFMP), this facility will also enhance coordination among local, state, and federal firefighting agencies.

Each Flagstaff firefighter receives wildland fire training as well as hazardous materials first responder operations training (among other specialized training) and all undertake annual continuing education.
Recognizing that not every call for service requires a fire apparatus or law enforcement response, the city worked with local partners for several months to develop the Community Alliance, Response, and Engagement (CARE) team. When appropriate, dispatchers will send this unit—comprised of two mental health professionals, one trained as an Emergency Medical Technician—to the reported location. The CARE van is equipped to handle non-emergencies and even transport individuals if needed. Each update to council indicates that the program is effective and leaves firefighters and law enforcement officers free to respond to true emergencies.

Earlier this year, the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) received an anti-human trafficking grant along with Northland Family Help Center and with member organizations Coconino County Attorney’s Office, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, NAU Police Department, and nonprofit Applejack’s Ranch, have formed the North Star Task Force. The task force has been effective in its short existence—both in suspect apprehensions and in assisting other law enforcement agencies.

Police Chief Sean Connelly has created Indigenous and Cross-Ability advisory councils and has demonstrated he wants to hear from our community. The last time we discussed these councils, he told me that the creation of a Latino advisory council is next.

The City of Flagstaff has made emergency management a priority to ensure proper coordination and risk assessment. The city created the Emergency Operations Plan—an all-hazards plan that identifies city division and partner entity roles and responsibilities during an emergency or disaster. Last summer, the city held an emergency drill at the Flagstaff airport, complete with dozens of “injured” individuals, on-site triage, and transport to the Flagstaff Medical Center.

I want to emphasize the importance of signing up for emergency notifications. By signing up at coconino.az.gov/ready, you’ll make sure that you receive notifications about emergencies affecting you and your neighbors. If you wish, you can give additional information about members in your household (including pets) to assist emergency responders. All information you provide is private and your information isn’t shared outside of emergency response.

On September 16 of this year, the city council received a presentation regarding a potential public safety ballot measure. A citizens’ review committee is forming to consider needs, finances, and current fiscal realities. It’s expected that this committee will present its recommendations to the city council in early June 2026.

I encourage you to review the video recording of that meeting and to stay engaged. I’m always available to Flagstaff residents via email.

This column originally appeared in the December 2025 edition of the Flagstaff Business News.