The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s annual Safety Day is a celebration of the many ways in which the Salt River fire and police departments keep us all safe. This year’s celebration was held outdoors at the Accelerated Learning Academy football field on November 6 and featured department and enterprise vendor booths, bounce houses and exhibits featuring staff from the police and fire departments. 

Salt River Fire Department Captain Robert Scabby served as the emcee and welcomed Community members and families to the event, which began with the presentation of colors by the SRPMIC Honor Guard. Afterward, a blessing was provided by Miss Salt River First Attendant Zoe Hernandez. Following her blessing, Miss Salt River Diondria Pilger and Jr. Miss Salt River First Attendant Tiaré Begay-Smith also provided warm welcomes and thanked the first responders for all that they do. 

“I want to thank you for coming out and enjoying this evening with us,” said SRPMIC Fire Chief Tsosie Wood. During his speech, Chief Wood encouraged families to visit with police and fire department staff. “We’re here to serve you all,” he added. “Mingle with them; talk with them. If you’re interested in being a firefighter, come and talk to us,” he said. Later, Chief Wood stated that the Community will be needing new firefighters to staff the new fire station located by Casino Arizona on the corner of 92nd Street and McKellips, which is scheduled to be completed by 2027.

Salt River Police Chief Walter Holloway added kind remarks during his welcoming speech. “Thank you all for coming out. Please ask questions; we have fire and police staff willing to answer your questions.”

Following the welcoming speeches, the Chi’Chino Spirit O’odham Dance Group performed. The group hails from the Gila River Indian Community and shares Akimel O’odham Himdag through song and dance. First introducing herself in O’odham and then in English, Lehua Lani Dosela thanked the SRPMIC for allowing the group to perform. 

“We come from District 6 from the Gila River Community. We originated back in 2006; we started smaller, with [just] my siblings and I,” said Dosela. 

The Chi’Chino Spirit O’odham Dance Group has performed at halftime during Phoenix Suns and Mercury games as well as at this year’s NCAA Men’s Final Four basketball championship. Later, the group performed a basket dance out on the ALA field. 

Throughout the event, SRPMIC members explored the many technological advancements, vehicles and equipment used by their fire and police departments. At the SWAT station, children were able to climb aboard the SWAT van and experience firsthand what it is like to suit up and potentially one day ride out to answer a call for help. 

Safety Day offered SRPMIC members and families an opportunity to meet face-to-face with the heroes who help ensure that the Community is kept safe on a daily basis. Salt River youth had the opportunity to take a tour of the many vehicles and equipment and get a first-hand look at the resources the fire and police departments utilize to help keep the Community safe.