Maricopa’s Fire Department continues to grow with swearing-in of six new firefighters

Maricopa’s Fire Department added six more firefighters / paramedics to their ranks Tuesday night in a swearing-in ceremony held at The Duke at 7 p.m. Two new Battalion Chiefs and two new captains also received the insignia of their positions.

Chief Bill Kelleher called the evening “a momentous occasion in the history of our department.” He added, “We will strive to build the best fire department in the state.” Maricopa firefighters now number 12 with five individuals as office staff.

“This is our second swearing-in, and I can assure everyone it won’t be the last,” said Kelleher. He acknowledged the presence of both Mayor Kelly Anderson and Fire District Board president and former Fire Chief Don Pearce. Speaking about Pearce, Kelleher said, “Without his sacrifice to the city none of us would be here tonight.”

The department has gone to military rank so community members can more easily identify those in leadership positions. Receiving their new insignia were Chief of Fire Safety Eddie Rodriguez and Chief of Operations Dan Ashton, both veterans of the Maricopa Fire Department.

Chief Eddie Rodriguez is pinned by wife Lucy while Chief Bill Kelleher offers assistance.

Chief Dan Ashton receives his insignia from Chief Kelleher (left) and his brother, Doug Ashton.

Newly promoted Captains Richard Jackson and Danny Ashton also received their insignia.

Firefighter Richard Jackson becomes Captain Jackson with the help of Chief Ashton.

Like father, like son. Chief Ashton pins his son Captain Danny Ashton.

Chief Ashton presented the six new firefighters, some of whom are also paramedics. They are Wade Brannon, Mark Boys, Lonnie Inskeep, Carlos Schulz, Jim Wise and Kathy Garcia, the department’s first female firefighter.

Maricopa’s new firefighters are back row (left to right) Mark Boys, Wade Brannon and Lonnie Inskeep. Front row: Kathy Garcia, Carlos Schulz and Jim Wise.

“Welcome aboard,” said Ashton, addressing the new department members. “I think we’re going to have a great future as long as we can keep making it fun.”

Kelleher addressed the assembled fire department personnel, families, friends and city officials. “This is truly a family, a brotherhood and a sisterhood, going out to face uncertainty, what we call an uncontrolled environment. We will survive as a unit through teamwork and treating each other as family.”

Eric Landau added the solemn notes of the bagpipes to the ceremony.

Calling fire service work, “the most noble profession anyone could embark upon”, Kelleher closed the ceremony with the ringing of a bell four times in a series of five rings to commemorate those who have lost their lives in fire service. The evening ended with a solemn bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace played by Eric Landau.