Lorin Hicks

On Jan. 27 six Sun Lakes residents had the privilege of dinner served by the dedicated men and women of Arizona Fire & Medical Authority District Station 231 located near Mulligans on Sun Lakes Boulevard. In addition to mouth-watering hamburgers, fries, and homemade desserts, we were treated to a tour of the facilities, a briefing on the operations of the unit, and even a brief ride in the fire engine through the neighborhood.

The meal was arranged after winning lottery tickets were drawn from the firemen’s booth at the Art at the Lakes art show last March.

The staff of 21 is divided into three shifts. They serve two days on and four days off in their duty to provide emergency fire and medical support for Sun Lakes residents. Our dinner was prepared and served by “C shift,” led by Captain Nate Stringfellow and Battalion Chief Dean Mitchell.

It was surprising to learn that Station 231 responds to nearly 300 calls a month in Sun Lakes. The staff also supports wildland fire suppression outside of residential areas.

Equipment supported at Station 231 includes a 500-gallon pumper engine, ambulance, battalion SUV, and a bus capable of transporting firefighting crews to larger fires.

The Station 231 dinner hosted by the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority was a very pleasant and informative evening. Those fortunate to win dinner with the AFMA staff will be treated to a fine meal and spirited conversation!