Special Operations Division

The Tempe Fire Department’s Homeland Security and Special Operations Division is comprised of the Technical Rescue Team and the Hazardous Materials Team.

Technical Rescue Team

The Department’s Technical Rescue Team is trained and equipped for both basic and complex technical rescue incidents. The Technical Rescue Team is equipped with an extensive amount of equipment to perform rescues at incidents involving confined spaces, high angle and low angle rope rescues from rough terrain, trench rescues, structural collapses, swift water rescues, and industrial accidents. This team has the capability to respond with highly specialized equipment and highly trained personnel to all of the above mentioned rescue scenarios as well as submersion incidents requiring SCUBA response. This team, along with six other personnel, are trained and certified as ERDI Public Safety Divers. Members must attend and successfully complete a 200 hour training course prior to certification as a Technical Rescue Technician and attend approximately 50 hours of continuing education every year. ERDI Public Safety Diver training is another 200 hour course, which also requires an additional 50 hours of continuing education per year.

 Hazardous Materials Response                                                                               

The members of the Tempe Fire Department are trained and equipped to manage all types of responses to incidents
involving hazardous materials spills and releases. The Department maintains a Hazardous Materials Response Team
(HMRT) which is staffed by eight on-duty personnel that have the most current detection and identification equipment
and protective clothing available for use. A major incident involving hazardous materials requires the cooperation and
assistance from several City departments and other outside agencies. The Department works closely with the City's
Environmental Division, Field Services Division, Traffic Engineering, Police Department, Financial Services, City
Attorney's Office, and Community Relations. Members must attend and successfully complete a 200 hour training
course prior to certification as a Hazardous Materials Technician and attend approximately 50 hours of continuing
education every year.