History of Hellsgate Fire Department

The Hellsgate Fire Department (HFD) was established through the merger of the Diamond Star Fire District and Tonto Village Fire District in February 2008. This union was driven by a shared commitment to improving emergency services for both communities, increasing efficiency, and enhancing public safety.

Today, HFD serves a vast and diverse area spanning approximately 35 square miles in Gila County, Arizona, encompassing one town and 12 unincorporated communities, with a combined population of around 4,617 residents. The communities within our jurisdiction include:

· Town of Star Valley 

· Little Green Valley

· Bear Flats

· Tonto Village

· Thompson Draw I

· Thompson Draw II

· Zane Grey Meadows

· Meads/Collins Ranch

· Ellison Creek Summer Homes

· Diamond Point Summer Homes

· Ellison Creek Estates

· La Cienega Ranch

· Fox Farm

Our Operations & Stations

HFD operates out of three stations, ensuring swift emergency response across the district:

· Station 21 (Headquarters) – Located in Star Valley, this station is staffed 24/7/365 by full-time firefighters.

· Station 22 – Located in Tonto Village, this station is staffed by dedicated reserve firefighters.

· Station 23 – Located in Meads/Collins Ranch, leased by the water company.

Since the merger, staffing levels have fluctuated, but as of 2025, HFD employs eight full-time personnel, supported by reserve firefighters and volunteers.

Emergency Response & Wildland Firefighting

HFD is a multi-faceted emergency response agency. In 2019 alone, we responded to over 500 emergency calls, with the majority being medical in nature. In addition to serving our local communities, HFD plays a vital role in wildfire response, operating under the State of Arizona Cooperative Agreement. Our crews have been deployed across the western United States, assisting in wildland firefighting and mitigation efforts, demonstrating our commitment to protecting not just our own district, but communities nationwide.

Leadership Through the Years

Since its formation, Hellsgate Fire Department has been led by six fire chiefs, each bringing their own expertise and dedication to the department:

· Chief Gary Hatch (2008-2014) – Chief Gary Hatch (1991–2014) – Chief Gary Hatch was one of the pioneering members of the Diamond Star Fire District and played a significant role in shaping the fire service in the Star Valley and Tonto Village communities. Chief Hatch moved to Star Valley in 1981, when the area was still an unincorporated community within Gila County. In 1982, Diamond Star officially formed as a fire district, and in a unique piece of district history, Chief Hatch’s residence became the first house fire responded to by the newly established district.

Chief Hatch began his fire service career with Diamond Star Fire District and was appointed the district’s first full-time paid Fire Chief in 1991. During his tenure, he became the first paramedic certified within the district in 1994, helping advance emergency medical services for the growing community. He was also instrumental in developing and expanding the department’s wildland fire program, recognizing the increasing wildfire threats facing the region.

In 1990, Chief Hatch served as a firefighter on the historic Dude Fire, one of Arizona’s deadliest wildfires, an event that profoundly impacted the state’s fire service community and further strengthened his commitment to wildfire preparedness and response.

Chief Hatch also oversaw the successful 2008 merger of Diamond Star Fire District and Tonto Village Fire District, which formed what is now the Hellsgate Fire District. After 32 years of dedicated service to the community and district, Chief Hatch retired in 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to public safety.

· Administrative Transition Period (2014-2017) – During this period, the department experienced significant organizational and operational challenges. The era ultimately led to substantial administrative and financial restructuring efforts that positioned the district for future stabilization and recovery under subsequent leadership 

· Chief John Wisner (2017-2020) – Chief John Wisner began his fire service career with Diamond Star Fire District in 1993 and dedicated 27 years of service to the district before retiring. Following his service in the United States Navy, Chief Wisner returned to the Payson area, where he was raised, and began working locally as a repair technician. It was during this time that Chief Gary Hatch recognized his work ethic and commitment to the community and encouraged him to join the fire department.

Chief Wisner became the first paid employee hired under Chief Hatch and steadily advanced through the ranks over the course of his career. Known for his strong work ethic, practical leadership style, and dedication to the organization, he played a key role in supporting the district through years of growth and transition.

As Fire Chief, Wisner led the department during a critical rebuilding period, restoring financial stability, improving employee morale, and strengthening organizational trust following a difficult chapter in the district’s history. His leadership helped position the department for future success while reinforcing a culture centered on professionalism, accountability, and service to the community.

Even after retirement, Chief Wisner has remained involved with the organization and continues to serve the district as a member of the pension board, maintaining his longstanding commitment to Hellsgate Fire District and its personnel.

· Chief Morey Morris (2020-2024) – hief Morey Morris brought more than 32 years of experience in fire service, emergency medical services, training, and flight medicine to Hellsgate Fire District. Prior to joining HFD, Chief Morris served with the Phoenix Fire Department and Gila River Fire Department, building a respected career in both fire suppression and emergency medical response.

Serving as a part-time Fire Chief during his tenure, Chief Morris played an important role in helping stabilize the district’s budget while continuing to improve department operations and equipment capabilities. He was highly successful in securing grant funding for the district, obtaining approximately $1,127,118 in awarded grants and resources during his leadership.

The grant funding secured under Chief Morris supported numerous department improvements and capital projects, including new radio equipment, a new water tender, two staff vehicles, the remodel of a Type 3 brush truck, acquisition of a new Type 6 brush truck, updated turnout gear, and station remodel funding. His efforts significantly enhanced the district’s operational readiness, firefighter safety, and emergency response capabilities.

Chief Morris retired from Hellsgate Fire District in July 2024, leaving behind a stronger and better-equipped organization for the community and personnel he served.

· Chief Wes Trayner (2025-2026) – Chief Wes Trayner joined Hellsgate Fire District in July 2024 in a part-time leadership role before being officially appointed as HFD’s full-time Fire Chief on January 30, 2025, following an extensive hiring process. Chief Trayner brought more than four decades of Arizona fire service experience to the district, having begun his career in 1979 and spending the majority of his service with the Phoenix Fire Department. During his distinguished career, he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief prior to retiring from Phoenix Fire in 2016.

A longtime resident of Rim Country, Chief Trayner quickly became instrumental in strengthening leadership, employee development, and regional cooperation within the district and surrounding communities. During his tenure, he focused heavily on rebuilding and supporting the employee group while fostering stronger collaboration among neighboring fire departments. His efforts helped establish a coordinated leadership response model that improved command presence and interagency cooperation on emergency incidents throughout the county region.

Chief Trayner also successfully secured a $215,640 donation designated for a major overhaul and remodel project at Station 21 in Star Valley, providing substantial long-term improvements to one of the district’s key facilities.

Chief Trayner’s tenure with Hellsgate Fire District was ultimately brief, as he made the personal decision to step away from the position in 2026 to spend more time with his wife. Though his time with the district was short, his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to regional cooperation left a meaningful and lasting impact on the organization and the communities it serves.

· Chief Randy Haugen (2026-Present) – Chief Randy Haugen, an Arizona native born and raised in Phoenix, was appointed Interim Fire Chief of the Hellsgate Fire District on March 9, 2026. Following a rigorous and competitive selection process, he was officially appointed as the District’s permanent Fire Chief on May 7, 2026.

Chief Haugen began his fire service career in Northern New Mexico, first serving as a volunteer firefighter with Sandoval County Fire Department. He later joined Santa Fe County Fire Department, where he advanced through the ranks to the position of Captain, gaining extensive experience in emergency response operations, leadership development, training, and interagency coordination while serving diverse rural and suburban communities throughout the region.

Throughout nearly 15 years in the fire service, Chief Haugen has served in a variety of leadership and operational roles throughout Arizona and New Mexico, including service as Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal for the Las Vegas Fire Department in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to developing strong organizations centered on professionalism, accountability, employee development, and service to the community.

In addition to his operational leadership experience, Chief Haugen has worked extensively in firefighter training and education, serving as a fire service instructor, mentor, and officer development leader for firefighters across the region. His background also includes experience in wildland firefighting, emergency medical response, fire investigations, and rural emergency service delivery.

Since assuming leadership of Hellsgate Fire Department, Chief Haugen has focused on strengthening organizational culture, improving operational efficiency, enhancing employee engagement, and building long-term financial and strategic sustainability for the district. His leadership philosophy emphasizes supporting firefighters and employees, recognizing that a strong and well-supported workforce is essential to delivering exceptional service to the community.

Chief Haugen has also prioritized regional cooperation and community relationships, working to strengthen partnerships with neighboring agencies, local government leaders, and community stakeholders throughout Rim Country and Gila County.

Under his leadership, Hellsgate Fire Department continues to focus on operational readiness, firefighter safety, responsible fiscal management, and maintaining high-quality emergency services for the residents and visitors of the district.

Commitment to the Community

At Hellsgate Fire Department, our mission is to provide exceptional emergency services, fire prevention, and community education. Whether responding to medical emergencies, structural fires, or wildland incidents, our team is dedicated to protecting lives and property with professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

We remain committed to adapting and growing with the needs of our communities, ensuring that Hellsgate Fire Department continues to be a pillar of safety and service for generations to come.