Salt River Fire Department paramedic Lee Grant retired from his service to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community after working for 30 years, from June 15, 1995, to Oct. 16, 2025.

On Oct. 3, Station 291 on Osborn Road hosted a retirement luncheon for Grant. He received a commemorative axe with his name, a flag and a case full of mementoes. SRPMIC President Martin Harvier and Council member Deanna Scabby, along with other fire department staff, were present. Grant’s family was also in attendance for this momentous occasion. 

Throughout his career, Grant worked with many, but he left an impact on each of them, leaving them with nothing but good things to say. 

“We always had good conversations, good laughs [with a] lot of humor,” said Gabriel Scabby, a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) who has worked with Grant for more than a decade. 

Grant has been someone that others could look up to and go to for advice. “I learned a lot from him; he was always involved with this crew,” said Scabby. “We had had good ol’ days. The good ol’ days of firefighting and running calls out,” he added.

Fire Capt. Ray Cartagena has worked with Grant for 20-plus years. “Lee has been great. It’s been a lot of fun all these years,” he said. Cartagena also shared, “We have seen all his changes and growth, and it’s been good.”

Grant shared his gratitude for all the kind words and support throughout his career. “Thank you. Thank you for being here,” he said. 

We wish Grant a happy retirement.