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What do you know about Gila River?
- Does not want to be known as a reservation, but rather a Community
- It was established in 1859, and formally established by Congress in 1939
- The 1st reservation founded in Arizona
- Any tribal reservations are Sovereign nation
- (meaning like their own country)
- Has a tribal counsel composed of 17 counsel
- members representing the local areas
- Governor is William R. Rhodes
- Birthplace and the home of the time of death of Ira Hayes, depicted in the photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima in 1945
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Why do you want to be a firefighter? When did you decide on this career
- Whenever I’m asked that question, I answer it with a question.
- “Who doesn’t want to be a firefighter?” (Drive a big fire truck, spray water on everything, having the responsibility to be the hero; knowing that people are calling you for help when they feel they most need somebody)
- To be part of a team oriented organization, that’s greater than 1 person It is a privilege to have a career where you want to go to work each and everyday
- To constantly train because at anytime your life, your crew’s life, or any of the public’s life could be at stake; where your actions could determine the outcome
- I can’t think of many careers that carry that type of commitment that will give you that ultimate feeling of self worth
- When did I decide on this career (refer to 911)
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Gila River Demographics
- Land area of 583 square miles
- Population of approximately 11,257
- Made up of 7 districts along the Gila River
- Largest communities are Sacaton, Komatke, Santan,
- and Blackwater
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Owns and/or operates:
- 3 Casinos
- Resort hotel
- Spa
- Equestrian center
- 2 golf courses
- Arts & crafts center
- 2 tribal museums
- NHRA certified race track
- Race-car driving school
- Racing-boat course
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Tribes:
- Pima – Akimel O’Odham (O’Ofam)
- “People of the river”
- Known for advanced agricultural and engineer irrigation systems
- Descended from the Ho-Ho Kam: 1 of the oldest known Native American tribes
- Language: Pima
- Maricopa – Pee Posh
- From the Colorado river area an Southern California
- Language: Yuman
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Stations
- 421 Blackwater (green)423 Sacaton (green)
- 423 Sacaton (green) Used to be Church street station (1 of oldest churches in AZ)
- "Endless days. Sleepless nights"
- 426 Komatke – passed Laveen by the Leequiva
- Casino
- 429 Admin – By Firebird Raceway; borders
- District 6 in Chandler; Furture ladder
- District 5 next up for a station because response time is to long; Future site of HAZMAT Team
- Stations are Public Safety Buildings
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Largest communities
- Sacaton
- Komatke
- Santan
- Blackwater
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The community operates its own
- Telecom company
- Electric utility
- Industrial park
- Healthcare clinic
- Publishes amonthly newspaper
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What is the job of a firefighter? And are you quailfied?
- Life safety, Incident stabilization, and property conservation (book answer)
- Serve the public the safest and best way you can anytime, anyplace, under any circumstance
- YES I’M QUALIFIED; because I have proven what I can do under the harshest of circumstances
- I have proven myself in the 15 years of Military service
- I have proven my work ethic in EMT, Fire I & II, and voluntary time
- I know the benefits of being a leader and a follower I can realize when I’m on the greener side
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What have you done to prepare for this position
- CPR, HAZMAT, EMT, Fire I & II, ACLS courses
- Learn the Fire service: Ride alongs, volunteer at events,
- Stayed involved with local depts. activities and personnel
- Maintained optimal Physical fitness
- Maintained all certifications
- Joined Glendale Crisis Response Team (give reason)
- #1 thing I done is started reading the “Don’t sweat the small stuff” book series. Recommended read
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What are you bringing to the job
- Maturity
- The experience of being at the bottom (new comer) and working my way to the top (senior management)
- Positive attitude of representing for the old dudes (physical fitness, experience under pressure, life skills)
- 15+ years of difference experiences from different major organizations (Army, Corrections, Post office)
- True meaning of Teamwork / Chemistry
- The importance of being able to follow then lead
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Why do you want to work for Gila River Fire Dept.
- I want to work for a full spectrum department located in the Phoenix Valley area, that is a value based organization.
- The money is good, and the department is a community based organization with a rich history
- Growing Dept. with many future opportunities
- All companies are Ladder & Engine (extrication and ventilation gear)
- Great all around experience
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What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
- Weaknesses
- Not accepting failure; Have a tenancy to over prepare (tunnel vision on specific task)
- I’m getting old
- Junk food junky (if I didn’t work out like I do, I’d be big as a house)
- Strengths
- Physical Fitness; I’m here to represent for the old dudes
- Live experience
- True meaning of team work/chemistry
- Taking responsibility for all my action
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What are the attributes of a firefighter? What is the most important one to you?
- Holding true to values and ethic
- Reliability
- Character
- Integrity
- Knowing your privleged to have people call on you in their most needed time
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How will I be successful during the academy
- This (oral board) is personal;
- I take that you would select me to be a part of your team.
- Physically and mentally tough; able to go the distance, and motivate others to do the same
- Also emphasize teamwork, team chemistry, and family
- Ensure that I’m enjoying the time there and having fun
- Brotherhood created by the experience
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What does character mean to you?
- Character is what makes me.
- What's inside my heart,
- My values, ethics, & morals,
- Doing the right thing when no one is looking
- Doing the right thing thing with no expectation of being recognized for doing your job
- L.D.R.S.H.I.P
- How I view the world.
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Closing Remarks
- When asked why I want to be a FF
- Here is my selfish reason:
- When you do acts of kindness out of your heart without any expectations of getting something in return; you get more out of it for yourself and for your soul than whoever is receiving whatever it is your giving (proven fact).
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Values
- Respect each member as a professional
- Be intolerant of negative behavior
- Take responsibility for our own action or inaction
- Recognize honest and sincere efforts Utilize consensus, when possible, for decision-making
- Support employee and employer decisions
- Demonstrate the highest level of pride and professionalism
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Gila River History
- Peaceful Tribe
- River was spreads across 5 miles in places
- 1800's water was diverted; resulted in starvation
- "Thrifty Gene" ability to store fat easier
- Reason for bad diabetes
- Just received the largest NA water rights settlements
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Services provided
- Fire suppression
- EMS
- HAZMAT
- Vehicle lockout service
- Pest removal
- Wildland
- Has own dispatch system; not auto aid. Mutual aid
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Agreements with
- Chandler
- Sun Lakes
- Maricopa
- Casa Grande
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Hospital
- Fire: Mercy Gilbert
- EMS: Casa Grand
- EMS is for profit
- Fire is a municipality
- Determines procedures
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Highways covered
- I-10 Wild Pass exit to 387 Casa Grande exit
- 587
- 387
- 87
- Casa Blanca Rd
- Riggs Rd
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