Article written by John Sanders, professional journalist.
Sentimentality and appreciation filled the air at the Tempe Fire Training Center, where firefighters, first responders, and United States Air Force airmen were presented with the Living Legends Award, which entails a certificate of honor signed by dignitaries, a certificate of commendation signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, and self-portrait art pieces created by Yvonne Wan (an award-winning artist) and two of her interns, Audrey Lam and Carson Shuler.
Wan is the founder of Focus Comic, which helps autistic youth reach their creative ambitions through artwork creation. Wan held an exhibit at the event, where attendees could see every piece of artwork.
Above: Carson Shuler, autistic intern and his father.
In total, there were 32 award recipients. Those who attended the event received a Luke Air Force Fire Department patch. Attendees were also treated to Cassi Igo, who sang the National Anthem, and a presentation of colors by Luke Air Force Base honor guards. Said recipients also walked underneath a saber arc demonstration from the guards. Every recipient also received challenge coins, courtesy of the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, as well as from the mayors of Buckeye and Mesa.
A special Living Legends Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to the firefighter Paul Shupe (Who also received 15 challenge coins). Shupe was unable to attend the event due to occupational cancer. Scott Figgins kindly accepted the award on his behalf. Everyone on behalf of Focus Comic, as well as associated parties, offers thoughts and prayers to Shupe and his family. Hundreds of people signed his certificate of honor, and he received many kind messages on Wan’s tribute video dedicated to him.
First responders who attended the event appreciated the outpouring of support not only for Shupe but also for his and their work toward serving communities.
“It’s just nice to be recognized,” said Jimmy Poole, a Tempe Fire Captain Paramedic and award recipient.
“We don’t do this job for accolades or for money,” Poole said. “We do this because we have a passion for helping people and solving problems. It’s nice that every once in a while, people say ‘thank you for your service,’ which we appreciate, but it’s also nice to be recognized for the stuff we do every day. We come to work every day not knowing what’s going to happen, and we do our best to help the community.”
Poole has performed his duties for the last 17 years and runs the department’s training center with Tempe Deputy Fire Chief Chris Snow. Poole explained that there’s more to the job than just firefighting.
“In the Valley here, compared to back east, we run 89% medical calls,” Poole said. “Not only are we your fire response, but any sort of hazard you have to call 9-1-1 for, we’re going to go and handle it. Whether it’s a water rescue, you’re trapped in a building, it’s a fire, you stubbed your toe, or you’re having a heart attack, you can call 9-1-1, get the fire department there, and we will take our job seriously. We want to do our best.”
The award recipients include Mark Burdick and Shawn Holcomb (Arizona Fire & Medical Authority); Jocelyn Galligan (Glendale Fire Department); Sheriff Jerry Sheridan (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office); Paul Shupe and Scott Figgins (Mesa Fire Department); Brandon Sunder, Josh Klemm and Sam Taylor (Phoenix Fire Department); Lieutenant Mark Schweikert (Phoenix Police Department); Matt White (Scottsdale Fire Department); Matthew Burns, Glen Damiani, Jon Duffy, Tino Ginakes, Kevin Johnston, Luke Killough, Alex Myers, Jimmy Poole, Dustin Preston, Christopher Snow and Truman Wood (Tempe Fire Medical Services); Maj. Christopher Herbert, Ssgt. Zoie Cox, Tsgt. David Rippberger, Tsgt. Joseph Delay, SMSGT Jose Eudave Diaz-Gonzalez, Tsgt. Eric Sobba, MSgt. Michael T. Brick, Tsgt. Charity Stuart, Tsgt. Brittney Klein, and A1c. Ashley Mendez (USAF).
Dignitaries include Tim Soule (Fire Chief of Rural Metro Fire), Mark Burdick (Fire Chief of AZ Fire Medical), Chris Snow (Deputy Fire Chief of Tempe Fire), Yvonne Wan (Artist at Focus Comic and social cultural anthropologist), and Nick Ells (Deputy Chief with AFMA).
Focus Comic encourages support and inquiries, and can be reached at [email protected] or focuscomic.com.