| Phoenix Fire Hosts Water Safety Day at Site of Near-Drowning Incident | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/fire/2750 | Fire | | 5/17/2023 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2750/IMG_0263.heic | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4T-6qpZLZg | Phoenix Fire Hosts Water Safety Day at Site of Near-Drowning Incident | <div class="ExternalClass19BD547AE5CE4F3580AA63EF1B4A02E4"><html>
<p>In honor of National Water Safety Day, a Phoenix family shared their harrowing testimony with local media to spread awareness; Matthew Damore and his family stood near their backyard pool on Monday afternoon where his son nearly drowned four years ago.</p>It was an August evening in 2019 when Matthew went swimming with his sons Wick and Watson, ages 6 and 4 at the time.<br><br>The two boys had taken swimming lessons from an early age. However, Damore knew to be careful and not let them swim alone. The family even had proper barriers with a pool fence installed to ensure the kids couldn't get in without a parent present.<br><br>During their swim, they played games with the pool light and Wick wanted to show his dad some flips and tricks he could do underwater. That's when the unimaginable happened to the Damore family.<br><br>“I turned around and started walking towards the pool light, which is on the far end of the pool, I saw my one son with his floaties on," Damore added. “And then I said, where's Wick?"<br><br>That's when he found his 6-year-old son Wick floating suspended between the bottom of the pool and the surface of the water. Damore rushed to remove him from the water and begin life-saving measures: performing CPR and calling 911.<br><br>Firefighters from nearby Phoenix Fire Station 31 responded within minutes and evaluated young Wick. Captain Blake Trivison was leading the crew that responded to the Damore household. Finding Wick was alert and responsive, the crew completed a comprehensive evaluation and transported Wick to a local pediatric facility in stable condition for definitive treatment.<br><br>Captain Trivison and the crew reunited with the Damore family four years after the incident. The firefighters made a special helmet for Wick and had safety information and Phoenix Fire memorabilia for him and his brother.<br><br>Phoenix Fire thanks the Damore family for sharing their story to bring awareness to water safety.<br><br>Damore wants to ensure parents know this could happen to anyone. He said, “Never take your eyes off kids around water – even if you're in the water with them which was a shock to me being in the pool with my kids and this happening."<br><br><p>Learn more about water safety and Phoenix Fire's drowning prevention campaign, #DrowningZero. Swimming classes, CPR lessons, and pool fences are available through city programs and the Local 493.<br><br><br></p></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/fire | Video | fire |
| City of Phoenix Announces Future Phoenix Fire Station 74 | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/fire/2713 | Fire | | 4/4/2023 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2713/IMG_0261.jpg | https://youtu.be/3kRY8BZWjC8 | City of Phoenix Announces Future Phoenix Fire Station 74 | <div class="ExternalClassBCFF9D54636D4C1FA7BC1DEF715955DC"><html>
<p></p>The Ahwatukee community will soon have a new fully operating fire station closer to homes within the rapidly growing community in the next two and half years.<br><br>Phoenix Fire Station 74 will be the fourth fire station addition to Ahwatukee. This will complete the firefighting force for the community and greatly reduce response teams by crews. <br><br>Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Councilmember Sal DiCiccio and City Manager Jeff Barton have teamed up to secure funding in the 2023-2024 capital budget for the new fire station in Ahwatukee.<br><br>“This new fire station is a major step forward for our community," said Mayor Gallego. “When the new facility opens, Ahwatukee will be served by a total of four engine companies, a ladder company and three ambulances – ultimately increasing the capacity of our first responders to save many more lives. I am proud of the hard work that has gone into making this project a reality and look forward to its many benefits for years to come."<br><br>“Fire Station 74 is a testament to what can be accomplished when government listens to its residents", said Councilman Sal DiCiccio. "With this new fire station, we will see a tremendous decrease in emergency response times. I'm proud to have helped make this project happen and want to thank the Mayor for her partnership in making this fire station a reality. "<br><br>Fire Station 74 will be built on the Northwest corner of 19th Avenue and Chandler Boulevard. The station is estimated to be roughly 13,000 square feet and include three bays with a fire engine and a medical rescue.<br><br>When completed, the Ahwatukee community will have a total of four fire stations with four engine companies, one ladder company, three rescue companies. <br><br>The city will hire and train 24 new Phoenix firefighters to provide staffing for three shifts and the necessary relief rate. The daily staffing will be six people total, including four on the engine and two on the rescue. The staffing for the 24 positions is included in the trail budget.<br><br>“The Phoenix Fire Department is grateful for our community leaders support including Mayor Kate Gallego and District 6 Sal DiCiccio. It is directly due to their efforts that this station is being built," Phoenix Fire Chief Mike Duran added. “Phoenix Fire station 74 will be a great addition to Ahwatukee. It allows us to deliver fast, professional fire and medical services, adding another layer of safety and security to our community."<br><br>The city of Phoenix is focused on ensuring that the fire station development will happen as quickly as possible. This because the City of Phoenix already owns the land, and the design will be based on Fire Station 55 built three years ago in near I-17 and Jomax Road. Early predictions estimate the facility could be up and running within the next two and half years.<br><br>Ahwatukee will have some of the best response times in the Valley with the addition of Station 74. Without the new fire station, the existing Phoenix Fire stations are challenged with meeting our resposne time goals to serve the local community.<br><br>“Phoenix Fire is so grateful for the support of our community leaders including Mayor Kate Gallego and District 6 Councilman Sal DiCiccio. It is directly due to their efforts that this station is being built," Phoenix Fire Chief Mike Duran added. “Fire station 74 will be great addition to Ahwatukee. It allows us to deliver fast, professional fire and medical services, adding another layer of safety and security to the community."<br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/fire | Video | fire |
| Community Assistance Program (CAP) Hiring Event Set for March | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/fire/2668 | Fire | | 2/27/2023 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2668/Van at Admin 1.JPG | | Community Assistance Program (CAP) Hiring Event Set for March | <div class="ExternalClass536422E5FBF446FB82BD5D8FA167DC96"><html>Do you want to make a different in the community? Now is the time! <br><br>The Phoenix Fire Department will hold a unique hiring event throughout the month of March for its Community Assistance Program. The department is looking to fill a variety of open positions that include <a href="https://hcmprod.phoenix.gov/psc/hcmprodtam/EMPLOYEE/COP_TAM/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U" target="_blank">Casework II and Caseworker III positions</a>. <br><br>The Community Assistance Program is a group of dedicated, professionally trained adults who provide 24-hour on-scene crisis intervention and or victims assistance services to the citizens of the Greater Phoenix area. The CAP units provide services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and respond from fire stations throughout the greater Phoenix area. The units work in partnership with the Phoenix Fire and Police Departments and social service agencies.<br><br>Behavioral Health Caseworkers will work with a Peer Support Specialist partner to assist those who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or substance use crisis. These teams connect individuals to services, provide transportation to services, and conduct outreach to community members in need. <br><br>Crisis Response Caseworkers work on a team of two and are dispatched as a co-response unit with Fire and Police personnel on traumatic incidents. Types of calls include unexpected deaths, natural deaths, house fires, and crime related traumas. The Caseworkers provide on-scene crisis stabilization, education on fire and police investigations, grief support, resources, and referrals.<br><br>Caseworker III positions provide supervision of Caseworker IIs and Peer Support Specialist. CAP has several Caseworker III positions which act as a dispatcher for behavioral health units. <br><br>These jobs offer career growth opportunities with professional development, excellent benefits, and competitive salaries. City of Phoenix employees enjoy 12.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days, low-cost health plans, wellness incentives and a pension program.<br><br>Job seekers can learn more about these positions and employment with the City of Phoenix by visiting Phoenix.gov/Jobs. When on that webpage, click “Current Job Openings – Perspective Employees" and then search for “Community Assistance Program." Questions can also be directed to the Human Resources Department at 602-495-5700.<br><br>Individuals interested in these positions must apply through the City of Phoenix website beginning February 24, 2023 through March 28, 2023. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the position will be contacted to schedule an interview. Interviews will be held weekly starting on Thursday, March 2, 2023. <br><br>Applicants must have an appointment to participate in the interview process. Details on the location and time of interviews will be provided to individuals when they are contacted. For details on the minimum requirements for the position please visit the City of Phoenix <a href="https://hcmprod.phoenix.gov/psc/hcmprodtam/EMPLOYEE/COP_TAM/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U" target="_blank">website</a>.<br><p><br></p></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/fire | News | fire |
| Phoenix Celebrates Black History Month with Inaugural Hike with a Firefighter, Hear from a Park Ranger Event | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/fire/2664 | Fire | | 2/24/2023 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2664/HIKE W A FF.jfif | | Phoenix Celebrates Black History Month with Inaugural Hike with a Firefighter, Hear from a Park Ranger Event | <div class="ExternalClass7B1928999CDE48D1AEA31EF7EEC5537C"><html>The city of Phoenix was proud to host the First Annual Black History Month Hike with a Firefighter, Hear from a Park Ranger Event.<br><br>The Phoenix Fire Department, the United Black Firefighters of Arizona, and City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department teamed up last Saturday, 2/18, at South Mountain, to promote hiking safety education while celebrating Black History.<br><br>Participants enjoyed a self-paced hike while learning about local and national black history. The free family-friendly event featured music, light refreshments, job recruitment opportunities, and chances to win free passes to Phoenix Zoo.<br><br>Attendees gathered at South Mountain Educational and Environmental Center (SMEEC) to begin the hike. Prior to hitting the trails Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego gave remarks alongside, members of the City Council, Phoenix Fire Department, and City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.<br><br>Families from across the Valley joined the event in South Phoenix to hike with their children and pets. <br><br>The goals of the event were to connect city of Phoenix employees with the community they serve to celebrate diversity, celebrate African American contributions to American History, and promote hiking and hiking safety, particularly for African Americans who are underrepresented as hikers. As the spring is peak hiking season in Phoenix, it's vital for the community to take a hike and do it right. <br><br>Phoenix firefighters and Park Rangers shared information regarding hiking safety and joined the trails with community members. They offered hiking safety tips and taught them about the different trail heads. Beginners were encouraged to hike the ADA-accessible Judith Tunell trail and intermediate to advanced hikers were encouraged to hike Holbert Trail. <br><br>Mayor Kate Gallego participated in the event as she walked the Judith Tunell trail. She shared the fond memories she has with that trail as she walked it regularly when she was pregnant with her son.<br><br>"This event is a great opportunity to take advantage of one of our city's Points of Pride while celebrating black history," said Mayor Gallego. “South Mountain is near and dear to my heart, and I am thrilled to start another tradition with this annual hike!"<br><br>Councilwoman Ann O'Brien, her husband, and their dog hiked Holbert Trail. She said, "This was a fantastic opportunity for our residents and visitors to chat with Phoenix Firefighters about the necessary precautions while exploring our beautiful city trails."<br><br>“The first-ever Black History Month hike with a firefighter event was a great way for our public safety team to educate community members about hiking safety, so everyone can enjoy all that Phoenix's parks have to offer and stay safe," Councilwoman Laura Pastor said. <br><br>"Hiking with friends and families while learning the history of Black Americans is a great way to celebrate Black History Month and connect with the community," said Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari added. “I want to thank the Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix Parks and Recreation, and the United Black Firefighters Association for hosting this dynamic event."<br><br>"This event is an excellent way to bring the community together to celebrate Black History Month and learn safety tips to keep in mind while on the hiking trail," said Councilwoman Guardado. "Our residents will have a chance to hear hiking advice directly from our city employees and learn about the dangers of not being prepared for a hike."<br><br>"Black history is American history," Councilmember Carlos Garcia added. "I'm proud to represent the diverse community of District 8 and know how much these events bring us together."<br><br>Phoenix Fire Chief Mike Duran described the event as a win win for everyone. “Phoenix Fire is proud to work alongside the Parks and Recreation Department to demonstrate how to safely take a hike a do it right." Chief Duran added. “All it takes are a few simple guidelines to make sure your hike is safe and fun. Plus, our firefighters enjoy opportunities to connect with the community."<br><br><p>The city of Phoenix looks forward to next year's event. The Phoenix Fire Department and The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department encourage everyone to take a hike and do it right! You can learn more about hiking options and hiking safety by visiting this <a target="_blank" href="/parkssite/Pages/take-a-hike-do-it-right.aspx">webpage.</a><br></p></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/fire | News | fire |
| City Departments Collaborate to Create New Traffic Signal and Water Pumping Station | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/fire/2656 | Fire | | 2/14/2023 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2656/water traffic.jpg | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujZpkbA5mqo | City Departments Collaborate to Create New Traffic Signal and Water Pumping Station | <div class="ExternalClassAEE0A77040214BFD9437B2A5CC555A4A"><html>The city of Phoenix is proud to highlight the recent implementation of a traffic signal at one of the top three busiest roads in the city.<br><br>It happened through the collaboration of several city departments.<br><br>Each department had one goal and that was to better serve the customers of Phoenix.<br><br>The project began roughly four years ago. The Phoenix Water Services Department approached Phoenix Fire about land that fire owned near 42nd place and Baseline road. It was the perfect location to build a water pumping station that would serve the growing South Mountain community. <br><br>Phoenix Fire agreed to give the land to the water department and identified an opportunity benefit the community even further. In exchange for the land, the Water Services Department would provide funding for a much needed new traffic signal on Baseline Road.<br><br>According to the Phoenix Street Transportation Department, Baseline has quickly become one of the top three busiest roads in the city. The intersection of 42nd place and Baseline had historically been a challenging site to turn West onto Baseline Road.<br><br>The traffic signal, installed by the Phoenix Street Transportation Department, would benefit the growing community, and also the crews working out of Phoenix Fire Station 32.<br><br>Because of collaborative efforts between the three city of Phoenix departments, the end goal was accomplished – each department helping one another to fast track the plan.<br><br>“It really is a win for everybody," Street Transportation Director Bruce Littleton said. “It was clear this signal was needed when we were out working the construction on this project, and we would watch an ambulance or fire truck with its lights and sirens on waiting to turn out of this intersection."<br><br>Water Services Project Manager, Stephen Daras described the new water boosting station as critical infrastructure. Daras said, “This was needed to get reliable, continuous water to the growing South Mountain and Ahwatukee area."<br><br>The idea for the project began with former Phoenix Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner. At the time, Mike Duran was the Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief who oversaw facilities. Now as the Phoenix Fire Chief, Mike Duran has been able to take the project across the finish line. <br><br>“This is where proper leadership in multiple departments came together. There was a need here and we worked together to meet that need," Phoenix Fire Facility Manager Silvio Vaninetti said.<br><br>To learn more about the city of Phoenix's Water Services Department and Phoenix Street Transportation Department, please visit each department's website.<br><br><br><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/fire | Video | fire |
