Drexel Heights Fire District

Please join us at Drexel Heights Fire in honoring our veterans who has served and sacrificed so much for our freedoms. Find a "Vet" and tell them Thank You!

Falling asleep at the wheel is dangerous. By putting sleep first and
driving only when alert and refreshed, you can prevent, drowsy driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports an estimated 100,000 crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving, resulting in more than 71,000 injuries and $12.5 million in damages.

For a week, GVFD and DHFD Operational Support Technicians (OST) trained and worked on their EMS ambulance operations as they further their overall firefighter resume. Solid work, dedicated performance and energized motivation brought their week to a successful conclusion.

Drexel Heights Fire is proud to present the newly promoted company officers who had their badges pinned at this month's Fire Board Meeting. Congratulations to Robert Santoro and David Rock promoted to Captain. Also, Eddie Riesgo and Frank Mendez to Battalion Chief. Great Job folks, you have worked hard to get here.

Drexel Heights Fire District is pleased to announce the promotion of the following officers:

Captain Frank Mendez was promoted to Battalion Chief. He will take the helm on our C Shift. BC Mendez joined the Drexel Heights family in June 2000 and quickly earned his paramedic certification in November 2004. In June 2016 he was promoted to Captain. BC Mendez is also a fire investigator while continuing to lead the way on C Shift.

Captain Eddie Riesgo was promoted to Battalion Chief and he is taking the helm on our B Shift. BC Riesgo joined Drexel Heights in February of 2005. He earned his paramedic in 2014 and he pinned on his captain’s bugles in April 2019. BC Riesgo is an active Union Member and he leads the DHFD Special Teams.

FF Robert Santoro was promoted to Captain and he is taking the lead at Station 405 on B Shift. Captain Santoro joined Drexel Heights in October 2009. Earning his paramedic certification in 2017, Captain Santoro has continued to lead the way for all of our firefighters and paramedics.
Congratulations to these Drexel Heights Officers. We look forward to the great things you will do!

Today kicks off Fire Prevention Week, which is October 8-14! This year's theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay Attention to Fire Prevention".

Did you know? Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.

Looking for an exciting new challenge? Know someone who is?

Drexel Heights Fire District is hiring a PUBLIC EDUCATION SPECIALIST.

The ideal candidate possesses a background in instructing and educating both youths and adults.

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/1988330/Drexel-Heights-Fire-District/Public-Education-Specialist

IMPORTANT: On Wednesday, Oct. 4th at 11:20 a.m. local time (2:20 p.m. ET), there will be a nationwide emergency alert test on cell phones, wireless devices, radios, and TVs.

This is a standard test that occurs at least once every three years. No action is needed.

https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/national-test-2023

And just like that 20 years has passed…. Firefighter Paramedic David Rimron hung up his turnout coat and stethoscope up for the last time on the morning of September 6th, 2023. His compassionate care, his even keel demeanor, and his mentorship will undoubtedly be missed by the Drexel Heights family. Good luck in all things and enjoy that retirement!

On July 14th station 403-A shift was dispatched to a cardiac arrest. While enroute Communication Supervisor Mary Juan was able to relay CPR instructions to the calling party. Once fire crews arrived they quickly took over CPR and transported the patient to a local hospital.

This week the gentleman stopped by with his wife at Station 403 to thank the firefighters and paramedics for saving his life. He stated that he knew they were “heroes” but never in his lifetime did he think they would be saving him.

He and his wife were extremely grateful and emotional as they thanked each and every member of the team. He let the crew know, thanks to them he has a second chance at life, and because of their efforts he is able to spend more time with all of his loved ones!

DHFD Station 403-A shift was also taken back and emotional hearing how they changed one persons life. It was a great surprise and a life changing moment for all involved.

While not at the station to meet the patient Deputy Chief Jason Moore ensured Supervisor Mary Juan received her pin for successfully provide CPR instruction.

Last evening A Shift 403 crew came out to the Miller School open house to help with a fire safety booth. They presented to many of the families (roughly 190 adults and youth) that attend the school with the programs DHFD offers as well as valuable fire and life safety information. The Crew did a fantastic talk from the stage. They demonstrated some of the tools and gear, spoke on fire and life safety and answered questions from the audience, staff, students, and parents. Afterwards met with people from the audience and took pictures. Their enthusiasm and engagement with the audience help drive more people to take a concerned look at fire and life safety.

Drexel Heights Fire personnel conducted some joint prevention and response training with the lifeguard staff of Manzanita Pool in learning ways to respond in emergencies. What better time to recognize August as being “Drowning Prevention and Awareness Month”. Please know that drowning can happen anywhere not just at the pool. Watch out for one another.

Here is some valuable information how you can “Beat the Heat” here in Pima County. With the storms creating problems with power in some areas, use https://www.pima.gov/2042/Beat-the-Heat to find the nearest cooling station near you. Remember to stay hydrated and watch out for one another. Limit your outdoor activities as the temperatures remain in the triple digits. For those folks in the Drexel Heights area, in front of AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, is the water and ice distribution center where you can pick up water. Also, Valencia Middle School, at 4400 W. Irvington, is a standup cooling station and will be open tonight for shelter. This is open tomorrow from 0800-1800.

Cool off at a Pima Library
1. Caviglia Arivaca Library
2. Dusenberry-River Library
3. Eckstrom Columbus Library
4. Flowing Wells Library
5. Himmel Park Library
6. Joel Valdez Main Library
7. Joyner Green Valley Library
1. Kirk Bear Canyon Library
2. Miller Golf Links Library
3. Murphy-Wilmot Library
4. Nanini Library
5. Oro Valley Public Library
6. Quincie Douglas Library
7. Richard Elías Mission Library
1. Salazar Ajo Library
2. Sam Lena South Tucson Library
3. Valencia Library
4. W. Anne Gibson Esmond Station Library
5. Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library
6. Woods Memorial Library

is reporting a large power outage in the Fire District. We have multiple fire crews responding to flooded washes and electric emergencies. Please use caution DO NOT ENTER RUNNING WASHES.

Congratulations to the newest members of the Green Valley and Drexel Heights Fire Districts! These folks graduated from their academy and were presented their badges. Welcome, we're happy to have you join the family!

Drexel Heights Fire remembers these brave heroes and their families.

Yesterday afternoon, the fire district's nurse practitioner was on her way to station 405 when she came across ...
Well, in her own words she gave this account.

I went out to visit Station 405 C Shift and I was ambushed by three wild Frenchies on Wade Rd. I was forced to stop my vehicle as they were running in the roadway directly at me. Fortunately, there was no traffic behind me, and I was able to evasively maneuver and avoid tragedy. I opened the door to my car and all three surrendered themselves immediately. Although, it may have been their lengthy sprint, in 101-degree weather, on asphalt, that convinced them to give up without a fight.

I transported the little villains to Station 405 where I knew the real heroes could do their work. Captain Martinez, FF Brown and FF Morales came to the rescue immediately. They provided water and shelter to combat the hyperthermia and plenty of love to make the felonious Frenchies feel secure. The crew instinctively knew how to get the escapees back to their Special Housing Units and within an hour, the Motley Crew was returned to their warden.

The warden and her kids were incredibly grateful for their safe return, and I was relieved that I survived the incident without injury. I wanted to make sure the crew at station 405 C shift was recognized for their ability to swoop in and save the day. We are genuinely lucky to have people like them in our district and as our peers.

And let's not forget Adrianne O'Brien, NP for facing these characters head on and willing to end their spree.

Drexel Heights Fire responded to a structure fire in the 4700 block of Agave Ranch Dr yesterday afternoon. When crews arrived they fought a fire between two structures on the property and were able to keep it contained to just those two buildings. No injuries were reported however, the property owner was treated for smoke inhalation.

In the early morning hours of Sunday morning, 1:30 a.m., DHFD C-Shift crews responded to a structure fire in the 4800 block of S San Joaquin Ave. Firefighters battled the blaze and were able to contain the fire to a single structure and prevented the spread to other residences in the area. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

4 Question to Ask before working outdoors
Do you have enough water?
Do you have temporary shade available?
Do you know the symptoms of heat illness?
Do you know who to call in an emergency?
https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/heat-safety/index.php -illness

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, almost 3,500 heat-related deaths have occurred in Arizona from 2011 to 2022. In 2022 alone, a record of 671 heat-related deaths occurred. Additionally, every summer around 3,000 people visit hospital emergency departments due to Arizona heat.

Check out the interactive Environmental Public Health Tracking Data Explorer to find out how the heat has affected communities across Arizona over the years. You can use this online mapping tool to see how your community compares against others in Arizona.
https://gis.azdhs.gov/ephtexplorer/?geog=pca&domain=hsi&indicator=89&type=438&year=2021

Arizonans are no strangers to the heat. Heat-related illness is preventable. To help protect yourself, your family, friends,
neighbors, and coworkers you can take actions to prevent, recognize, and respond to heat-related illness. We realize that not one person, organization, or agency can tackle this hazard alone. Sharing an air-conditioned space with friends and families who may
need assistance is a good way to cool off during the summer.
https://noaa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=ef58590accb84b539b77e5676ca742c0

Learn how to be a better, safer babysitter
Go to www.drexelfire.org to register and pay the fee or come to the Prince Administration Center. Participants MUST be 12-16 years of age at the time of the session dates. Class size is limited so register early! Training materials provided. Topics included: CPR/AED/First Aid, Poison Prevention, Home & Fire Safety, Fire Extinguishers, Basic Child Care, Resume Writing.

The summer heat is here again and with it comes triple-digit temperatures that last through September. The high temperatures we experience in Arizona can be more than just unpleasant. Extreme heat can increase the risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In 2022, Arizona hospitals saw 3268 heat-related emergency department visits and a record 671* deaths occurred. https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/heat-safety/index.php -illness

The Drexel Heights Fire District is excited to celebrate the promotion of three individuals to the rank of Captain. Joined by their family at today's Fire District Board meeting, the Helmets were presented and the badges pinned on these amazing new leaders of an already great organization. Congratulations to Captain Fernando Rodriguez, Captain Jon Jones, and Captain Mike Shultz.
Well done!

DHFD celebrates the amazing folks that keep this organization running smoothly and efficiently day in and day out. Thank you for being such special people!!

Monday crews from Drexel Heights responded to the report of a brush fire in the wash area off East Calle Lerdo. Brush 455 firefighters contained the fast-spreading blaze preventing damage to surrounding residences. It's warming up and drying out so please be careful.

The Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona being represented by Troop 1335 dropped by the Drexel Heights Fire District to hand off some amazing boxes of delicious cookies to thank firefighters and communication specialists for serving the community. Thank you Troop 1335!

It’s National First Responder Telecommunicator Week and we at DHFD want to thank our VECC communication specialists for taking on the critical mission their job requires so efficiently. To be there for all who make the 911 call for help, you are truly the “first” of the First Responder role. Thank You!