PIMA — There’s been another change in first-responder leadership, this time in Pima.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Pima Town Council affirmed the vote by Pima Volunteer firefighters, naming Terry Earp the new chief.
Earp said his goal is to continue the department’s growth established under former Chief Scott Howell, told firefighters he intended to relinquish the post of chief at the end of 2023.
“Just continue what Scott Howell has put in place and what the members have put in place; just continue on,” Earp said. “The Department is in a very good place, so just continue what they have already gotten into place.”
He said he has no plans to request from the Town Council increasing compensation to the firefighters for calls or training, as was recently approved in Thatcher.
“I personally don’t feel the Town of Pima has enough revenue — tax revenue — where Safford and Thatcher have bigger tax revenue,” Earp said.
“I personally don’t feel like I need any pay,” he continued. “We do it as a service for the public, that’s why we’re there. We’re not there for the money; we’re there to serve and protect the community.”
Pima Fire Department has been the recipient of a number of grants over the last 12 months, including $326,000 from United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties for upgraded self-contained breathing apparatus; and $3,000 from Country Financial and $2 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., for development of a new $2.5 million fire station.
Earp said the department will continue fund-raising for the balance needed for the new station, including hosting a car show in late March or early April.
Howell stepping down as chief is the second such move in the Gila Valley this month. Thatcher Police Chief Shaffen Woods announced Jan. 4 his retirement. He volunteered to stay on with the town to assist the interim chief, who could be named by the Town Council on Jan. 22, and the eventual permanent chief.
In May 2023, Safford named Brian Avila the new Police chief, following the retirement of Glen Orr.
In other Fire Department news: The Pima Town Council ratified an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Safford for Safford to perform maintenance on Pima Fire engines.
