Fire captain reaches out to GV, Sahuarita

The Sahuarita Sun

“I think I have the best job in the world,” says Capt. Melissa Smith, community liaison officer and public information officer for the Green Valley Fire District.

Whether she’s on the scene of a house fire or talking to a club or school group about fire prevention and safety, Smith enjoys sharing her expertise with the public.

Smith, 38, is a Sahuarita resident and mother of two. She attended Marana High School and Pima Community College before joining GVFD in 1994 as a firefighter/emergency medical technician.

In 2003, Smith became an engine captain, with a crew of four, and was in charge at the station and when called out to the scene of a fire or injury accident.

About two years ago, she became public information officer, something she calls “a cool job.”

“I respond to major incidents where there might be media on site, the Red Cross or transportation issues. I’m part of the command team on those incidents,” Smith said.

She also is the face of GVFD at job fairs, the annual Green Valley Health Fair and more, plus she speaks to local clubs and organizations, including homeowners’ associations and members of the Lions Club and the Elks Lodge.

Smith also can be found teaching first aid to Boy Scouts working toward their merit badges and in area classrooms educating students about preventing fires and what to do to stay safe in case of a fire.

In addition, she’s a liaison for GVFD with the Sahuarita Police Department, town staff and the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce.

Being able to work with the public, not always on an emergency scene but in more of a social capacity, is one of the best parts of her job, Smith says.

It’s challenging having to deal with critical incidents and the victims, she points out. And Smith always is concerned when these victims may spend just part of their time in Southern Arizona and not have any family members close by.

The support necessary following an accident or fire may not be readily available for some folks, and “you want to help in any way you can,” Smith says.

Those feelings have led her to take classes with the Pima County Victim Witness program, and she is aiming to become a volunteer with that group.

The program helps folks involved in motor vehicle accidents or court procedures by pointing them in the right direction to assets or groups that can help them, Smith explains.

“It’s a great, great organization,” she says, and the classes have given her information that’s invaluable for firefighters, EMTs and others involved every day in public safety.

To Smith, “communication and relationships are core to our existence. We’re here to meet people’s need and build relationships,” which truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Outside of work, and in addition to her support of the Pima County Victim Witness program, Smith is a member of the Green Valley Rotary Club and makes time to tutor students at Continental School and serve as a board member for S.T.O.P. (Sahuarita Team Offers Prevention).

She and her children also volunteer with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for events including the MDA’s annual Christmas program. And in June, Smith and her teenage daughter hope to serve for a week as MDA camp counselors in Heber.

Bill Bohling, GVFD’s assistant chief, says Smith has made a difference at the fire district.

“Her interface with community leaders, our business community, homeowners’ groups and, in general, our customer base has been a definite plus for our organization,” he says.

“She has also been active in many community activities in Green Valley and Sahuarita and has taken lead roles in many charitable and volunteer efforts.”

Bohling says Smith “takes a real interest in community service activities. She is a big asset for our organization as well as the communities we serve.”

Making a Difference features folks who help make Sahuarita a great place to live. To recommend someone for this weekly series, call Karen Walenga at 547-9739, e-mail to kwalenga@gvnews.com or FAX to 625-1603.