Glendale Firefighters Local 493

03/09/2025

🔥 Building the Future of the Fire Service 🔥

Today, high school students from the Valley participating in the Fire Science elective provided by their school took on their annual muster—a grueling competition showcasing the skills and dedication required in the fire service. With guidance from members of Local 493 chapters, including our own, these students demonstrated their passion, discipline, and teamwork.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of firefighters, bridging the gap between high school and career. Hats off to the students from the Glendale Union High School District, instructors and volunteers for their hard work and commitment! 👏🔥

02/27/2025

🚨 Join Us for Public Safety in the Park! 🚒🚔🚑

Come meet your local first responders at Public Safety in the Park! This FREE family-friendly event is your chance to connect with Glendale firefighters, police officers, and EMS professionals while getting an up-close look at public safety vehicles.

📅 Wednesday, March 19
⏰ 4:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 O’Neil Park, 6448 W. Missouri Ave., Glendale

Enjoy a fun evening with the community—and grab a FREE slice of pizza while supplies last! 🍕

For questions, contact Glendale Police Crime Prevention Specialist Aimee Tibbits at [email protected] or (623) 930-4052.

Don’t miss out—we’ll see you there! 🚒👮‍♂️🚑

02/20/2025

🚒 Join Us at the Military Community Hiring Event! 🚒🇺🇸

📅 Thursday, February 20th
⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, AZ

The Glendale Fire Department and Glendale Firefighters Local 493 will be connecting with military veterans looking to transition into the civilian workforce. This is a great opportunity to explore careers in the fire service and learn how your skills can translate to a rewarding profession.

For more information, visit: rmvets.com/PHX0225

02/20/2025

Presidents Day and Fire Service Leadership: Glendale Fire Advocates in Washington, D.C.

As we celebrate Presidents Day, we reflect on the importance of leadership, public service, and the role of federal support in protecting communities. Just last week, Glendale Fire Department joined fire service leaders from across Arizona—including contingents from Phoenix, Mesa, Fort McDowell, and Tucson—in Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) Symposium and Dinner to advocate for critical fire service initiatives.

Representing the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association (AZFCA), Glendale Fire’s Assistant Chief of Emergency Services Tim Pirtle and Deputy Chief of Professional Services Scott Ernster met with federal lawmakers to discuss key issues affecting fire departments nationwide.

🔥 Firefighter Cancer Prevention – Addressing occupational cancer risks and increasing protections for firefighters.
🔥 SAFER Grants – Advocating for funding to maintain adequate fire department staffing.
🔥 AFG Grants – Ensuring funding for critical fire department equipment, training, and safety resources.
🔥 Lithium-Ion Battery Safety – Discussing challenges and solutions for the growing threat of battery-related fires.
🔥 DCIPP Grants – Exploring funding opportunities for infrastructure protection and fire mitigation efforts.

This annual event provides fire service leaders a critical platform to ensure that firefighters across Arizona and the nation have the resources, funding, and support needed to keep communities safe.

On this Presidents Day, we extend our appreciation to the federal leaders who took the time to meet with us and discuss these vital issues:
✅ Senator Mark Kelly
✅ Representatives Greg Stanton, Juan Ciscomani, and Abe Hamadeh
✅ Congresswoman Yasmin Ansari
✅ Representatives from Senator Ruben Gallego’s and Representative Raúl Grijalva’s offices
✅ Representatives from Representative David Schweikert’s office

We appreciate their commitment to supporting firefighters, public safety, and emergency response efforts at the national level.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it." George Washington

Through strong leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, Glendale Fire is actively shaping the future of fire service—ensuring that firefighters have the resources they need, communities remain safe, and public safety remains a priority at all levels of government.

02/20/2025

🚒🔥 22nd Annual High School Fire Science Muster! 🔥🚒

Come watch the next generation of firefighters showcase their skills at the High School Fire Science Muster!

📅 March 8, 2025 ⏰ 8:45 AM
📍 Glendale Community College (North East Parking Lot – access off 59th Ave)

👀 Watch high school fire science students in action as they demonstrate their firefighting skills!
🥪 Food & Drinks Available for Purchase
Fire Department Mentoring & Recruitment Info available from 10 AM - 2 PM
Bring a chair and cheer on these future firefighters as they take on hands-on challenges!

02/19/2025

Congratulations Battalion Chief Roman Barriga!

We are proud to announce the promotion of Roman Barriga to Battalion Chief with the Glendale Fire Department. Throughout his career, Chief Barriga has demonstrated unwavering leadership, dedication, and a commitment to serving our community with excellence.

His experience and passion for the fire service make him an outstanding addition to our command staff. We look forward to his continued leadership and impact in this new role.

Join us in congratulating Battalion Chief Barriga on this well-earned promotion!

02/14/2025

After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Deputy Chief Dave Jensen is retiring.

A driving force in training at all levels, he has inspired members across every rank and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape the future of our department. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment, Chief Jensen. You will be missed—enjoy your well-earned retirement!

02/13/2025

Yesterday morning at 8:30 a.m., your Glendale firefighters, alongside Phoenix and Peoria Fire Departments, responded to a hazardous materials incident after a sedan collided with an oxygen tanker truck. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, preventing further danger.

Thanks to the expertise of our Hazardous Materials Team (HM157) and Peoria Fire-Medical’s Hazmat Team (HM193), the scene was stabilized, ensuring no ongoing threat to the community. Their extensive training and swift response were crucial in mitigating this situation.

‼️Incidents like this highlight the importance of proper funding and support for specialized teams. Our Special Operations team and automatic aid system allow us to work seamlessly with neighboring departments, ensuring the safety of our community and first responders.‼️

02/04/2025

Today, we recognize the brave members of Glendale Firefighters Local 493 and the occupational cancer risks they face every day in the line of duty. Firefighters are exposed to harmful toxins and carcinogens, putting them at increased risk for job-related cancer.

We honor their sacrifice, advocate for prevention, and stand in solidarity with those battling this disease. Let’s continue to fight for better protections, resources, and support for our heroes.

01/30/2025

Today, the Valley came together to honor the life and legacy of one of our fallen brothers, Anthony Mock, who lost his battle with occupational cancer. His message to all firefighters was simple—honor his memory by taking care of yourself. Get your cancer screenings and encourage your crew to do the same.

Rest easy, brother. We will honor you.

01/25/2025

From the academy to the real world, every training and lesson prepares us for moments like this. Today, Probationary Firefighter Tanner Nava had the opportunity to put his skills to the test, cutting a ventilation hole on a working fire alongside his crew. A surreal and proud moment for Glendale Firefighters Local 493 and glendalefire. 🚒🔥💪

01/23/2025

Sending our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters with the Phoenix Fire Department and the Mock family during this difficult time. Rest easy, Anthony. 🙏

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Paramedic Anthony Mock, a beloved and dedicated member of the Phoenix Fire Department. Anthony peacefully passed away after he bravely battled two rare forms of cancer for the past two years, all while remaining a source of light and inspiration to everyone around him.

Becoming a Phoenix Firefighter was a lifelong dream for Anthony, and he served our community with unmatched courage, professionalism, and heart. Since his diagnosis, Anthony became an outspoken advocate for early cancer screenings, urging his fellow firefighters to prioritize their health to prevent others from enduring the same tragedy.

Anthony’s passing is an immense loss to our department and the community he served so selflessly. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this incredibly difficult time.

Further details regarding Anthony’s service, contributions, and memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available. The Phoenix Fire Department and United Phoenix Firefighters Local 493 Union are committed to providing support and assistance to his loved ones.

We are grateful for the overwhelming love and support from the community as we honor Anthony’s legacy and his unwavering commitment to protecting others. We ask that you kindly give the family the privacy they have requested at this time.

01/13/2025

This Sunday morning, we gathered to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who gave everything for their communities.

This memorial is a deeply meaningful tradition that reminds us of the strength, unity, and compassion that binds us together as a fire fighter family.

01/06/2025

This past Sunday, The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed By Joe Biden. A HUGE win for public safety as a whole!

The Social Security Fairness Act is a new law aimed at addressing an issue where some public employees, like firefighters, police officers, and teachers, were unfairly denied Social Security benefits because of their pensions. The law seeks to eliminate the “Windfall Elimination Provision” (WEP) and “Government Pension Offset” (GPO), which reduced Social Security payments for people who worked in public service jobs.

How Does It Affect Firefighters?

Before this change, firefighters with pensions from their public service job might see their Social Security benefits reduced or eliminated. With the new law, firefighters will no longer be penalized just because they worked in a job with a pension. This means they may now be able to receive the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned, even if they have a public service pension.

Why is This Important?

For firefighters, this law is a big win. It ensures they get fair treatment in their retirement benefits and don’t miss out on Social Security because of their career in public service. This can provide greater financial security for them when they retire.

01/03/2025

January is

As we begin 2025,

it’s vital to honor the dedication of firefighters and acknowledge the risks they face, including occupational cancer.

This month serves as a time to educate and raise awareness about the impact of cancer on firefighters, particularly regarding presumptive coverage and workers’ compensation.

The IAFF continues to support and educate those affected, ensuring that their sacrifices are recognized and that they receive the proper care and support they deserve.

For more information, visit the IAFF’s Cancer Awareness Month page at www.iaff.org/cancer-awareness-month/.

Let’s continue to show our support and work towards a safer future for all firefighters!

12/31/2024

Start 2025 Off Right with This Firework Safety Checklist! 🎆

As we ring in the new year, make sure you and your loved ones stay safe while celebrating with fireworks. Here’s a simple checklist to help you enjoy a fun and secure holiday:
1. Only Buy Legal Fireworks – Stick to licensed retailers and check your local laws before purchasing.
2. Supervise Children – Never let kids handle fireworks, and always keep a close eye on them.
3. Choose a Clear, Open Space – Light fireworks in a spacious, open area away from buildings, trees, and flammable materials.
4. Maintain Safe Distances – Stay at least 20 feet away from fireworks when lighting them, and keep others at a safe distance too.
5. Light One Firework at a Time – Always light fireworks individually and back away quickly once lit.
6. Be Prepared with Water – Keep a bucket of water or hose handy for emergencies and soak used fireworks before disposal.
7. Don’t Relight “Duds” – If a firework doesn’t go off, wait 20 minutes and soak it before disposal.
8. Wear Protective Gear – Consider using safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks and debris.
9. Keep Pets Safe Indoors – Loud noises can stress animals, so keep your pets inside during the fireworks.
10. Dispose of Fireworks Properly – After use, soak them and dispose of them in a safe container.

Let’s start 2025 safely and create memories that are full of fun, not accidents! Stay safe Glendale, and enjoy the evening! 🎇✨

12/25/2024

Glendale Firefighters Local 493 would like to wish everyone and their families a Merry Christmas! We are incredibly grateful for our firefighters hard work and unwavering commitment to serving the citizens of Glendale and, most importantly, each other. ❤️

To those working today, thank you for your sacrifice—stay safe out there. To those spending the day with loved ones, we hope your holiday is filled with joy, peace, and togetherness.

Have a safe and blessed Christmas! 🎄