My great great grandfather Chief Garfield Velarde.

I realized that I had not mentioned a Native perspective to my blog..

Being born and raised on the Rez, I like many ndns on the Rez, did not have positive attainable role models other than our fathers, uncles, family members. I did not aspire like many non-natives to be a police officer, fireman, astronaut. We wanted to be pro rodeo cowboys, pro ball players, an artist or a rockstar. The odds of achieving those dreams, of course, are astronomical. So failure and disparity seem to follow. Don’t get me wrong I am not putting down anyone’s dream or aspirations but the Rez is a very tuff world to grow up in. Much power to Natives who can achieve their astronomical dreams. Anyone care to share their aspiration? Me? I have always wanted to be a race car driver, yeah, I am and always be addicted to speed..

Jumping way ahead of my story..
So now that I am a professional firefighter and I see our positive affect on the Native community that I serve. I see how this occupation can be an attainable goal with positive leadership roles. It gives me great pride and fulfillment to be a positive Native role model serving Natives even if it is not my own people. I am still making a difference. It is an incredible sight to see the young Native children waving and approaching our fire trucks with eagerness. Another positive attribute is that I am now seeing sons, daughters, follow their Native mothers, and fathers as municipal firefighters. It is an awesome sight to witness, the new boundaries, traditions, being established.

It also is a huge professional and personal achievement to serve on a Native municipal fire department that can run with any municipal fire department in the Phoenix Valley. Yes, that is a bold statement, but true, Phoenix Fire Dept. is one of the top fire departments in the country. Phoenix Fire is a progressive, innovative, department and their procedures bleed through out the Valley and we all benefit from that.

SRFD and GRFD have also built their own legacy of achievements. SRFD has recently been recognized for the operation of their fire academy. Both departments, SRFD & GRFD, have state of the art equipment and training. All Arizona fire departments must be certified under the same state standards. We as Natives are in incredible times, more than at any other time, we are able to forge beyond the Rez and accomplish great things.  We all are equal, in service, courage, and commitment.
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