Big Idea

• Biannual Badge Pinning & Recognition Ceremony took place Friday
• 5 new firefighters completed their recruit academy on October 21 and were sworn in
• 4 firefighters were promoted
• 3 people received recognition for life saving efforts
• Read more...

Congratulations to all!!!

October 28, 2022, the Prescott Fire Department held its biannual Badge Pinning and Recognition Ceremony led by Fire Chief Holger Durre. In attendance from City of Prescott Leadership were Mayor Phil Goode, City Council members Connie Cantelme, Eric Moore, and Cathey Rusing, Deputy City Manager Tyler Goodman, Police Chief Amy Bonney, and Deputy Police Chief Jon Brambila.

Our ceremony, which is held twice a year in May and October to coincide with EMS Week and Fire Prevention Week, celebrates newly hired employees, members of the Fire Department promoted to a higher rank, and recognizes both employee and citizen special achievements. Prescott Fire Department welcomed 5 newly hired firefighters who completed their recruit academy on October 21. Firefighters Mike Hormell, Spencer Smith, Imani Moore, Travis Mayo, and Troy Lovelady were sworn in by Chief Durre as the newest members of the Prescott Fire Department. 

Fire Chief Holger Durre swears in new employees. L-R: Firefighters Spencer Smith, Troy Lovelady, Travis Mayo, Imani Moore, Mike Hormell

Promoted employees include Firefighter Cody Kennedy to the rank of Engineer, Engineers Brian Padilla-Melton and Jason Beyea to the rank of Captain, and Captain Jeff Moffitt to the rank of Battalion Chief. 

Celebrated Employees, L-R: Jeff Moffitt, Travis Mayo, Mike Hormell, Cody Kennedy, Brian Padilla-Melton, Spencer Smith, Troy Lovelady, Imani Moore, Jason Beyea

Chief Durre also recognized Battalion Chief Ralph Lucas for his temporary assignment to Operations Chief.

Chief Durre recognizes Ralph Lucas on his temporary assignment to Operations Chief.

We had a special opportunity to recognize local citizens as well as another city employee who went above and beyond to save a life in our community. Resident Teresa Franz spoke of her gratitude to the people recognized for their life saving actions. 

Operations Chief Ralph Lucas introduces Teresa Franz

Teresa explained that in March of 2022, she experienced cardiac arrest while working out at a local gym in Prescott. Witnesses Patrick Carroll and Renee Joseph immediately started CPR and applied an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on her. 911 was called and Prescott Regional Communications Dispatcher Lindsey Paloutzian stayed on the line and coached them until emergency crews arrived. Teresa went on to thank them as well as the emergency crews from Prescott Fire Department and Life Line Ambulance for saving her life. Chief Holger Durre and Teresa Franz presented Patrick Carroll, Rene Joseph, and Lindsey Paloutzian with a special recognition for life saving efforts recognized by the National Medal of Honor. 

Teresa Franz thanks the National Medal of Honor Recipients Patrick Carroll, Renee Joseph, Lindsey Paloutzian

The Prescott Fire Department would like to remind you that early CPR and defibrillation is key in the survival from cardiac arrest. If interested in CPR classes, please call Prescott Fire Department at (928) 777-1700. 

All photos courtesy of Captain Pat McCarty of Prescott Fire Department.