Yuma, Arizona - The week of October 9th thru the 15th is Fire Prevention Week nationwide and also has been proclaimed here in Yuma by Mayor Douglas Nicholls. Observation of Fire Prevention Week began last Thursday (October 6th) with the highlighting of advances in fire prevention by Fire Marshal Kayla Holiman and special recognitions of several City of Yuma fire personnel.
A special presentation took place during which Tom Batson, American Red Cross Disaster Program Specialist for Yuma and La Paz counties, presented smoke alarms to Fire Chief Steve Irr. The Red Cross and YFD have partnered to help Yuma residents to make homes safer by installations of smoke alarms for residents in need. In this case, these particular alarms will go to aid a children’s orphanage in Haiti recently racked by several natural disasters and with no current safety equipment. Chief Irr became aware of this need due to a family member’s humanitarian aid work with “Project Hope”.
The program progressed to members of the Yuma Fire Department receiving awards for their exemplary performance, service, and achievements. Fire Chief Steve Irr and Assistant Fire Chief Dusty Fields conducted these recognitions.
This year’s Support Person of the Year for the Yuma Fire Department is Bill Jones. Bill has been with YFD less than 2 years, but in this short time has contributed greatly. He has brought a great deal of knowledge and expertise to the Community Risk reduction Division. Although hired as a Plans Examiner, he has completed over 1000 commercial fire inspections, over 100 new construction inspections, and over 1500 plan review checks.
In addition, Bill has received training and certification as a Fire Investigator, helping to relieve the workload of investigations on other personnel. He is thorough, detail oriented, and dependable. We have no doubt that the City of Yuma is safer with Bill as a member of our department.
This year’s Firefighter of the Year for the Yuma Fire Department is Jordan Simpson. Firefighter Simpson has been with the department for 11 years (and just in the last few weeks was promoted to Engineer!). He exemplifies the Core Values of the City of Yuma, maintaining the highest levels of expertise and professionalism when executing his duties.
He is a true “Patient Advocate” and demonstrates an extraordinary level of caring and compassion for those he treats. He has assisted in areas beyond his normal scope of duties by applying his mechanical fabrication skills to speed the placement of new apparatus into service. Jordan’s efforts are greatly appreciated and enhance the delivery of service to the citizens of Yuma.
This year’s Fire Engineer of the Year for the Yuma Fire Department is Bill Kereluk. Engineer Kereluk has been with YFD for 22 years, and an Engineer since 2006. Bill not only delivers excellent service as a Paramedic, but also in the instruction of others. He is positive example and role model.
Engineer Kereluk cares about his community and the department he serves in. A recent example was in organizing a breakfast gathering for department retirees. This was something talked about for a long time but it took someone with Bill’s passion, caring and work ethic to not only make it happen but to make it a resounding success.
This year’s Fire Captain of the Year for the Yuma Fire Department is Steve Legros. Captain Legros has been with YFD for 22 years and a Captain since 2014. Steve is a high energy individual maintaining his Engine Company, apparatus, and station in top condition. He has a high level of knowledge and experience, mentoring all those around him and freely sharing his expertise.
Captain Legros is a valuable asset to the City of Yuma Fire Department. He has helped to preserve the department’s heritage and traditions. He seeks to share this heritage both with his collection of historical artifacts and his participation in the Pipes and Drums division of the Honor guard. Steve’s efforts make a difference to this department and the City of Yuma.
In addition, recent YFD promotions were recognized.
Battalion Chiefs: William Unterseh and Richard Root.
Fire Captains: Jeff Bird, Michael Caltabiano, Kris Leon, and Gary Welch.
Fire Engineers: Jordan Bowers, Juan Ortiz, Nicholas Rico, Jordan Simpson, Jesse Townley, Jeremy Tyree, and Alejandro Urzua.
Congratulations to all for a job well done!