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CANYON CORRIDOR CONNECTION 2016 | 7
Deputy Fire Chief Frank Solomon
Phoenix.gov/fire
150 S. 12th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Q QCommunity: What does “community” mean to you?
A AAs the Phoenix Fire Department district
commander for West Phoenix, community
has a special meaning for me. As a young
child, my family moved from South Phoenix
to Maryvale. I have great memories of my
community in West Phoenix, my schools and
neighborhood where so many of my friends
lived. I now have the pleasure to be back in
my community as a member of the Phoenix
Fire Department protecting the residence
and structures from fire and other dangers.
The word community means a friendly, warm
place where friends and family share so many
great memories.
Q QCommunit lightofsituationsaround
thecountry inothercities,what isthePhoenixFire
Departmentdoingtobetterdevelopcommunityrelations?
A AMaintaining a close and professional
relationship with the community in West
Phoenix has always been at the very top of the
fire departments priorities. There is nothing
more important than providing the best
and most efficient customer service to the
residents of West Phoenix. From emergency
response to community education, the
Phoenix Fire Department strives to provide
the highest level of service. This could not
be accomplished without establishing and
collaborating with community leaders,
business owners, elected officials and
citizens of all ethnicities and backgrounds
in our community. Having a friendly and
professional relationship that is responsive to
community needs is the foundation of West
District’s approach to community relations.
Q QCommunity-Focused Programs: Do you have community-
focused programs in the Canyon Corridor to enhance
community relationships? What are the goals and how
you measure success toward those goals?
A AThe Phoenix Fire Department has the Urban
Survival Program in many schools throughout
the city and in West Phoenix. This program
is one of the most advanced fire and injury
prevention educational programs in use by fire
departments across the country.
Behavioral health emergencies are quickly
emerging as a significant need in our
community. The Phoenix Fire Department
is currently collaborating with mental
health agencies in a pilot program to
provide emergency response behavioral
crisis assistance in the Canyon Corridor
and surrounding areas. One of the principle
objectives for this program is to connect as
many individuals with the right community
and medical programs that can best treat
their medical and social needs. The goal of
the Phoenix Fire Department is to provide the
highest level of emergency response and care
to all citizens of the City of Phoenix
Q QPublic/Private Partnerships: What value do you place on
public/private partnerships working together to support
community neighborhood safety and revitalization
efforts?
A APublic/Private collaboration, in my opinion,
is the only way in which neighborhood safety
and revitalization efforts can come to fruition.
In today’s world of financial difficulties,
working in unisons with our community
partners to share the responsibilities of
community safety is not only the smartest
approach, but a fiscally responsible way
to meet significant objectives in our
communities.
Q QRevitalization: How do you see your office involved with
the community revitalization efforts and tangible support
for organizations and business?
A AThe Phoenix Fire Department West District
Office is committed to improving the
community we serve. By participating in
community events focused on revitalization
efforts and making available professional and
expert assistance, the fire department is an
active partner in the revitalization efforts in
West Phoenix. Fire stations are great focal
points or points of distribution for many
community-centered events. Firefighters
are proud to participate and see that the
community views fire stations as community
centers
Q QCanyon Corridor: In your most recent visit to the Canyon
Corridor Community, what stands out the most?
A AWhat stands out the most for me is
the amazing rebirth of the community
surrounding GCU campus. It’s clear to see
that residents are really stepping up and
working on improving their living conditions
and the appearance of their neighborhoods.
The houses are nicely kept and businesses
appear to have a sense of renewed spirt. All
the amazing construction and new buildings
on campus are another aspect that stands out
as I drive by or stop to visit.
Q QImpact: What can the Canyon Corridor Community and
Grand Canyon University do to support you and the fire
department? What else could Grand Canyon University
do to make a positive impact in the neighborhoods?
A AIn my humble opinion, GCU must continue
to lead the charge in redeveloping and
revitalizing the community of West Phoenix,
especially Canyon Corridor. The leadership
role that GCU has taken is a testament
and a great example of what private and
government collaboration can accomplish.
As GCU continues to grow, it’s imperative
that they involve the community in all
aspects of decision making that impacts the
neighborhoods surrounding the university,
especially Canyon Corridor. As for Phoenix
Fire Department West District, please
continue with the open door policy that has
been established and instrumental in the
professional relationship that we share—this
truly is the recipe for success.
Q QGrowing up in Maryvale, can you tell us about your
background?
A AI consider myself a product of Maryvale and
I’m extremely proud of that. Yes, it was a very
humble beginning, but as they say, it’s not
about how you start in life, but it’s how you
finish that matters. I could not be happier with
my current assignment in West District. I have
the opportunity to work in the community
that I grew up in and hopefully be a part of
the solution and revitalization of Maryvale. In
my 31 plus years with the department, I have
had some amazing opportunities to serve the
community. Being involved in community
education and life safety education has to be
my most memorable experiences and one that
I’m the most proud of. Having the opportunity
to save lives and protect property is a privilege
that has been bestowed on me by the citizens
of Phoenix that I will never take lightly and
always strive to do my best.
Q QAny final thoughts?
A AThank you for this opportunity and thank you
for shining a light on the department that I
love.
An Interview
with Deputy
Fire Chief Frank
Solomon
by Faith Weese