Six SRFD Firefighters Promoted to Company Officers

By Chris Picciuolo

Six Salt River Fire Department staff were promoted to company officers with the title of captain at the Accelerated Learning Academy Lecture Hall on April 22.

Capt. Anthony Garcia, Capt. Cris Ries, Capt. Ramon Arenas Jr., Capt. Chris Gannon, Capt. Adrian Vega and Capt. Xavier Martinez were welcomed into their new roles with their cheering family members by their side and in the seats.

“As the newest class of [SRFD] company officers, these individuals represent the next generation of leaders within our organization,” said SRFD Operations Deputy Chief Mike Mink. “They have all completed a tremendous amount of intense training, education, and officer preparatory courses and programs that have provided them the necessary knowledge, skillsets and experience to be successful in their new positions.”

Mink explained that as company officers, each will be responsible for the supervision of a six-person company–an engine or ladder company, along with a rescue company. The crew is made up of the company officer, engineer, two engine/ladder firefighters and two rescue company firefighters.

Often the first arriving officer to significant incidents such as house fires or motor vehicle accidents, it is the company officer’s responsibility to coordinate the initial firefighting or medical care efforts and direct and assign personnel to specific tasks on the scene. The company officer also requests additional resources when needed and makes strategic decisions prior to the arrival of the battalion chief.

According to Mink, the company officer wears many hats. They are responsible for assisting with fire prevention programs and public education, and they act as a coach and mentor, providing examples of quality leadership and opportunity for their personal growth.

The company officer is also responsible for overseeing the upkeep of the fire station, assigned apparatus, firefighting and medical care equipment, as well as their crews’ personal protective equipment (PPE).

When the ceremony was finished, the new company officers headed over to the ALA cafeteria with their families and crewmates for a catered lunch and a slice of cake decorated with congratulatory words.