Support Flagstaff’s First Responders

As a dedicated Flagstaff City Council member and long time resident, I am profoundly committed to supporting our Flagstaff Fire Department and Flagstaff Police Department—the brave first responders who protect our community every day. In a city surrounded by forests, facing wildfire risks, growth pressures, and everyday emergencies, our firefighters and police officers are essential to keeping Flagstaff safe, resilient, and livable for all residents.

I believe it is vitally important to support our first responders not only in council chambers, but especially in the moments that matter most. You’ll see me there: celebrating at recruit academy graduations as new members join the ranks, applauding at promotions and award ceremonies, honoring heroism life-saving actions, and exceptional service at various celebration events throughout the year. Standing in solidarity at memorials and funerals during times of loss and grief, to pay tribute to their sacrifices and offer comfort to grieving families. These events serve as powerful reminders of the human dedication courage, and commitment behind every call-whether it’s battling a wildfire, responding to a medical emergency, or protecting our community and keeping our streets safe.

I recognize the real challenges our Flagstaff Fire and Police departments face. Our Fire Department deals with growing funding gaps for operational support, staffing to meet rising call volumes and NFPA standards, replacement of aging equipment and apparatus, and critical infrastructure like new stations and the regional wildland fire training facility (where I proudly helped advocate for and secure $4 million in state funding through SB 1735 and intergovernmental agreements). Similarly, our Police Department navigates needs for additional staffing, technology upgrades (such as body-worn cameras and investigative tools), and resources to combat issues like narcotics trafficking and community safety—all while maintaining trust and local control.