Capt. Velasquez “Vel” Sneezy was hired to join the Salt River Fire Department (SRFD) on December 4, 1992. On March 28, his 33 years of service to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community came to a celebratory end as he retired from his position at a ceremony held at Station 293 on Talking Stick Way.

Guests present for his ceremony included SRFD retirees, SRPMIC President Martin Harvier, members of Council and Chief Steve Brady, who came to the SRFD back in the early 1990’s from Buffalo, NY. Brady served as the training chief for many of the veteran firefighters who still serve the SRFD.

Capt. Sneezy was presented a ceremonial ax and honored by the SRFD Honor Guard. A table was set up displaying Sneezy’s well-worn protective fire hat and photos from his many years of service.

Fire Capt. Rork said that Sneezy wore many hats during his service with SRFD, which included starting the Technical Rescue Team, his involvement with the Wildland Team, acting Battalion Chief and rounding out his career as a training captain.

“Training was one of his passions and being the training captain suited him well,” said Rork. “Being a part of his crew was fondly referred to as being in ‘Velcatraz.’”

Rork said that in Capt. Sneezy’s life away from the department, Vel is a husband, father, grandfather and friend, among many other titles.

Sneezy is known to be an avid fisherman “that didn’t seem to catch many fish,” joked Rork. He is also a musician who loves to strum his 6-string and belt out tunes.