Editor’s Note: Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member Tamara Silversmith was honored in February by the Chandler Police Department for her 35 years of service. The following is a submission from Silversmith in her own words. It has been lightly edited for style and length. 

“In a world that moves at lightning speed, the days often feel like a race against the clock. Yet, for many successful individuals, the early hours are not a time of chaos, but a sanctuary for focus and creativity.”
– Unknown

How true, with improvement and enhancement throughout the years, I am truly thankful for all that has been bestowed upon me and the experience I gained in this milestone. In truth, my whole life has been [spent] in a career in law enforcement, with a combined experience of 40 years. 

[However], I did not intend on doing [that]. I was going to college, I was a new wife to Gary Silversmith, [and we were] starting our family and already blessed with a beautiful daughter. 

We met in high school. Yet our first encounters were as children, our grandparents were life-long neighbors. 

I received all my clerical training in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community through the Neighborhood Youth Corps. and Internship programs. I learned it all and had many mentors. 

I started at the old administration building; it was really a mobile trailer. We had a telephone switchboard back then. Dorine Andrews and Shirley Cantor supported my training to operate this. They taught me all I know in the clerical field.

One day, in October of 1985, I received a call from Karen Schurz, the executive secretary of the Salt River Police Department. She asked me if I would like to fill in as a temporary employee, until the Records Clerk position was filled. 

I [worked at the SRPD] for five years, from 1985 to 1990. During that time, I was employed under the direction of Chief Edward Reina and Capt. Bert Andrews.

I was referred by the late Angie Washington. Being there, I learned the tasks of this position. It was Capt. Andrews who encouraged me to apply [for the job full-time]. I thank him and Angie Washington, for her referral to Karen, to this day. I am truly grateful and thankful for their trust and the confidence they had in me.

 

In coming to Chandler, it was my husband, Gary, who encouraged me to apply for the Chandler Police Department. This was 1990. 

During that time, we did not have internet or cell phones. Our Sunday was making sure we had the Sunday paper! Gary came across a job description for a Records Clerk position for the Chandler Police Department in the classified ads. He encouraged me to apply. My response was not optimistic; I was terrified. I had never been outside my realm, working outside the reservation and leaving the people I worked alongside. 

Through his continued efforts, I finally applied for the City of Chandler Police Department, just days before the closing date. 

Later, I received a notice that I got the position. My start date was set for Dec. 23, 1990, just before Christmas. I asked if I could extend my start date; I wanted to spend Christmas with my family. We had three children at the time. I started on Jan. 7, 1991. 

I have served under five chiefs of police during my tenure for the Chandler Police Department.

In 1991, the city of Chandler’s population was 95,000. We are now at 280,000. I’ve been through the transitions, as time transforms. 

We are now in the digital information era, where everything is processed electronically. I am a true witness to this and proud to be a part of it. I am considered a veteran; there are very few of us left. 

On Jan. 7, 2026, I completed 35 years of service. 

My recognition [event ended up being] extended to Feb. 2, 2026. It was not my intention to attend. Gary was planning to come to Chandler for the initial recognition, [which had been planned to take place] in January. It was his plan to bring our children. He was very happy for me, knowing he had something to do with this. Sorrowfully, it did not happen. He has finished his race here on Earth, and he is reunited with our family in Heaven, in God’s presence. 

It has been very hard for us all as a family. I thank my children for their encouragement. Their father lives within our children. Through them, I believe, he was encouraging me, once again. I accepted. 

I am dedicating my recognition award to Gary Silversmith. He created this milestone for me. If it were not for him, I would not have taken this direction or be where I am today. 

Through him, I gained my knowledge and training in the police government industry. I am skilled in public safety government and emergency management. My current position is Administrative Discovery Representative. I am the liaison between the Chandler Police Department and all law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. 

My primary responsibilities are gathering material for all federal, county and state agencies through the Arizona Rules and Criminal Statutes. My accomplishments are the job tasks I handle; I love what I do and keeping busy. I have received many awards, from Employee of the Year to merit awards, individually and as a division, and many commendations. I have met many people internally and externally throughout my tenure. If not for Gary, I would not have come together with the friendships I have today. 

I would also like to acknowledge my long-lasting friends of the Salt River Police Department. They have always supported my family and me in more ways than one. From their families babysitting our girls so we can continue to work, to their support and friendship—and for always being there—I am sincerely thankful to have you as my friends. 

My heartfelt appreciation [goes] to Karen Schurz, Margaret Miles, Jeryle Reina, Dixie Padilla, Theresa Harney, Leticia Dalton, Raymond and Doris Osife, Veronica Tashquinth, Judy Pasqual, Lonita Jim, Dorine Andrews, Shirley Cantor, the Flo and Buddy Gates family, the Laverna Manuel family, the Toni Valencia family, and Mr. Bert and Roxie Andrews and family, whom I have the deepest respect for and am eternally grateful to. 

[Also] Angelia “Angie” Washington, who started the connection in the beginning. Always the deepest most respect for her. God bless her and her family. We are all forever SRPMIC government first family and I am a proud employee of the Salt River Police Department. 

[Thank you] to our mothers, Janice White Eagle and Josephine Enos, for your love and support, for giving us a foundation. For all your teachings, your prayers, and the unity, love and support from both sides of our families. There were many times my second home was my workplace. 

I am most proud of my children and grandchildren; you are in this journey with me. As you got older, you stepped up to the plate for mom, caring for our home and each other. You had to be our latchkey kids. 

We sure have come a long way. You are us: strong willed, never giving up. You are our beautiful children. I love you very much.

Tamara Silversmith
A proud member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. 

After the announcement of her achievement, Silversmith was congratulated by her family, friends, loved ones and colleagues. Here are some well-wishes from supporters. 

From Supervisor, Heidi Boyer, Police Records Supervisor, Chandler Police Department.

Tammie, you bring valuable years of experience to your role and consistently demonstrate confidence and competence in your work. You are a strong team player who supports your coworkers and contributes positively to the overall work environment.  You provide excellent service to both internal and external customers and maintain a high level of professionalism in all interactions. Your communication skills are a notable strength, and you effectively serve as a point of contact with outside agencies.

Overall, your experience, reliability, and supportive approach make you a trusted and valued member of the team. Thank you for 35 years of service, experience, and dedication. 

City of Chandler Police Operations Manager:

Please join me in congratulating Tammie Silversmith on receiving her 35 Years of Service Recognition Award! This is an extraordinary milestone and a true testament to her dedication, professionalism, and long-standing commitment to public service.  Thirty-five years represents more than time; it reflects consistency, institutional knowledge, resilience, and a lasting impact on the organization and those we serve. Very few reach this level of service, and it deserves to be celebrated.  Congratulations, Tammie, and thank you for 35 years of service and contributions.