Santa Arrives in a Fire Truck

It wasn't Santa's sleigh but rather a Golden Valley fire truck that brought holiday cheer to a valley family this Christmas.

Seven-year-old Katelynn Voltz and her sister Krissy, 4, were the first to see the fire truck with its lights flashing making its way down the rain soaked road to the family's home in Golden Valley on Christmas Day. The girl's grandmother, Diane Swaim, knew someone was coming to visit the family that day, but she certainly wasn't expecting the fire department.

Swaim and her husband, Greg, have been serving as de facto parents of sorts for Katelynn and Krissy after the girls' mother, Greg's daughter, fell ill shortly after moving to the valley from Indiana in November 2008. Charity Voltz nearly died after suffering a grand mal seizure in April 2009, although it would be 18 months of tests and hospitalizations before doctors knew what was wrong.

At the same time she was dealing with her illness, the young mother was going through a divorce and Krissy was diagnosed with autism.

Charity's doctors formally diagnosed her with a collapsed palate this March, which was causing her to get only 30 percent of the oxygen she should have been getting. A tracheostomy has brought that percentage up to 98, but it has left her housebound and susceptible to infections.

Greg and Diane live with the family and since Charity's illness have assumed the roles of mom and dad. Both hold part time jobs, but after Greg took a leave of absence after an allergic reaction to latex at his job just after Thanksgiving, finances for Christmas gifts for the girls looked especially bleak.

The family receives services for the girls from Mohave Mental Health, which partners with MIKID (Mentally Ill Kids In Distress) to provide support in dealing with Krissy's autism. Krissy is almost 5, but acts more like a 2-year-old, her family said. She has a domineering, independent personality, but is only now just learning to talk and be potty trained. By contrast, her older sister Katelynn is more shy and reserved, in part because of her fear for her mother's well being, Diane said.

MIKID serves a number of families around the state, including 17 in Golden Valley and Kingman. The group has a working relationship with the Golden Valley Fire Department, which last month raised more than $1,800 for the organization.

MIKID contacted the department and arrangements were made for the firefighters to visit the family in the fire truck, minus the reindeer. The girls' great-grandfather, Walter Carr, said the girl's were overwhelmed by the gifts, which included developmentally geared toys for Krissy.

The family's church, the Boulder Springs ward of the Church of Latter Days Saints, also pitched in, providing the family with a Christmas dinner and an additional four boxes of toys and clothing.

"The one thing Katelynn really wanted was a new pair of shoes," Carr said. "She'd worn the others down on the bottom and sides."



Clothes are fine, but Katelynn said her favorite gift was a toy cash register. The firefighters' visit may have also influenced what she wants to be when she grows up. She used to want to be a police officer. Now she wants to be a firefighter.

Golden Valley Fire Captain Dave Martin said he was glad he and his fellow firefighters could make a difference.
"It was beautiful," he said. "It was nice to see the kids' faces light up like that when you give them presents."

The family says they were blown away by the generosity of their church and fire department and said it reinforces their sense of community.

"We're very grateful for all the wonderful help we've gotten this season," Diane said. "Without them, we don't know what we would have done. It's nice to know there are people out there who care and it really shows."

Story by Erin Taylor of Kingman Daily Miner

Single Vehicle Accident

Golden Valley Firefighter-Paramedics treat the victim of a single vehicle accident on Hwy-40 at MP 45. The vehicle traveling Eastbound struck the guardrail head-on and the guardrail pierced through the entire length of the truck striking the driver. The truck caught fire with the driver still inside. The only occupant of the vehicle was discovered outside the burning vehicle by two men who stopped to help just after the accident. They moved the patient away from the fully involved vehicle as fire crews from Golden Valley and Kingman Fire arrived. The patient was transported to KRMC and flown via Care Flight helicopter to the Las Vegas Burn Center. The accident which occurred at 12:58 is currently under investigation by DPS.

A True Inspiration

It is not an uncommon site to see one particular Golden Valley resident on litter patrol before the break of day. 72 year old Chuck Speir retired to Golden Valley ten years ago after a long career as a cross country truck driver.  Mr. Speir seemed somewhat uncomfortable receiving any attention for his volunteerism when Assistant Chief O’Donohue of the Golden Valley Fire Department made Mr. Speir an honorary fire department member of sorts providing a department issued reflective vest to this inspirational man.  “This is how I choose to give back to my community” says Mr. Speir.  Chuck says he generally performs his self prescribed community service between the hours of 5 and 7:30 in the morning six days a week.  “I take either Saturday or Sunday off to attend mass but other than that I am out here” says Chuck.  Mr. Speir’s wife of 41 years worries for her husband’s safety being out before the break of day.  Chief Hewitt of the Golden Valley Fire Department:  “Mr. Speir is truly an unsung hero, providing an inspirational example for all of us”.  Chief Hewitt cautions all motorists to give pedestrians the right of way and to remain aware at all times of citizens walking alongside roads without sidewalks.  It is the hope of Mr. Speir to inspire other Golden Valley citizens to join in this litter free cause.

Hwy. 93 MVA

The drivers of two vehicles were transported to Kingman Regional Medical Center after a van with a single occupant plowed into the back of a car that was reportedly stopped in one lane of Northbound Hwy-93.  The vehicle that was struck came to rest on the shoulder of the highway after the impact spread debris for over 100 feet down the highway.  Both drivers were treated at the scene by Golden Valley Firefighters and Paramedics and transported to evaluate the extent of their injuries. 

DPS assisted with lane closures for over an hour.

Golden Valley man killed in rollover

A 56-year-old Golden Valley man was killed over the weekend after his truck left the roadway and rolled several times.

Deputies with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene off of Jurassic Drive west of Egar Road around 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning, although spokeswoman Trish Carter said it appeared the accident occurred several hours earlier.
The driver was identified as Golden Valley resident Cristobal Cabello Martin. Officials speculated that he lost control of his 1997 Mazda pickup for an unknown reason before rolling several times. He was thrown from the truck. The accident was called in by a passing motorist.


 The Sheriff's Office is investigating the accident.

From Firefighter to food server

Golden Valley firefighters traded professions last week and raised more than $1,800 for an organization serving families of children with special needs.
The firefighters served as waiters for two hours over the course of three evenings at Denny's in Kingman to benefit Mentally Ill Kids In Distress. The firefighters donated all of their tips and Denny's donated 10 percent of each bill to the organization, which started out in 1987 as a support group and has since evolved to provide a number of services to families of children with special needs.
Golden Valley resident Nancy Osborn serves as a local liaison for the group. Everyone who works for the organization has either a child or grandchild with special needs.
"We have empathy," she said. "We've been there."
MIKID serves a number of families around the state, including 17 in Golden Valley and Kingman. They also provide support groups for both communities.
Nearly all of the department's 20-some firefighters as well as Chief Paul Hewitt and Assistant Chief Tom O'Donohue served as waiters while being shadowed by Denny's employees. O'Donohue said the crew at Denny's was fantastic to work with, but he's not quitting his day job.
"We discovered we would much rather run into a burning building than wait tables," he joked.

Fire Totals Home





Golden Valley Firefighters responded to a residential structure fire just ½ mile North of Station-11 on Mayer Road at 10:26 PM Tuesday night. First arriving Engine Captain; Dave Cunningham reported a fully involved structure fire. Neighbors initially reported the family may be inside the home.  While crews extinguished the fire, search and rescue teams prepared to search the structure for residents.  Fortunately the homeowner; Ferren Clark and his family were not at home, but arrived as crews were still fighting the fire. The fire was confirmed under control within 30-mintes reported Assistant Chief Thomas O’Donohue. Crews remained on scene for several hours to assure there were no hot spots and to investigate the cause.  Family members stood across the street in disbelief as firefighters worked inside the smoke filled home said Fire Investigator Randy Osborn. In all; 15 firefighters responded including an Engine Company from Kingman Fire.  One firefighter was transported to KRMC for a minor injury. The home is considered a total loss, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A service vehicle lays on its side on a steep service road where a early 40’s male was initially pinned beneath.

Golden Valley Firefighters & Paramedics treat an employee of Mineral Park Mines who was injured when his service vehicle rolled and landed on top of him while on a remote service road. The male patient was transported via Helicopter to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. Assistant Chief Thomas O’Donohue reported that a total of seven emergency service personnel responded due to the nature of the incident. “We take immediately dangerous to life incidents very seriously and respond sufficient personnel to mitigate the incident quickly” Chief O’Donohue plans on meeting with safety personnel from the mine to discuss future responses and safety initiatives.

Not every response is an emergency.

Engineer John Molitor and Firefighter Scott Proudfoot assist a stranded motorist on Hwy-68 by changing a flat tire. Chief Hewitt and Assistant Chief O’Donohue encourage their crews to stop and assist everyone throughout their day of emergency responses. “It’s another way we serve the citizens of Golden Valley” responded Chief Hewitt. Last week a crew gave a ride to an elderly female who had broke down, but were concerned if they received an emergency call what they would do. Chief O’Donohue reminded them “Emergency responses come first, and if along the way they get a fire call” he said with a chuckle: “Well, your passenger is going to a house fire”. Chief Hewitt added how proud we are of our service and the crews who perform it every day.

HWY. 68 FOUR CAR ACCIDENT

Golden Valley Fire Department Engineer John Molitor reports that two Washington State residents were transported from this four car accident on Westbound Hwy-68 at Egar Road. Reports indicate all involved vehicles were Westbound when one experienced a mechanical problem, causing them to lose control. Vehicles following were subsequently involved. All occupants were reportedly properly wearing their seatbelts, helping them to avoid any serious injury. The highway was partially blocked for about 30-minutes according to Assistant Chief Thomas O’Donohue.

HIGHWAY-93 ROLLOVER

Captain Tony DeMaio from Golden Valley Fire reported two people in this vehicle escaped injury from this rollover accident on Hwy-93 at the Hwy-68 interchange. Reportedly the trailer began to fishtail, causing the driver to lose control and roll both the truck and trailer. Both occupants were reportedly wearing their seatbelts and self-extricated as emergency units arrived. Accidents such as these point to the benefits of properly wearing your seatbelts said Thomas O’Donohue, Assistant Chief for Golden Valley Fire.

Pick-up truck roll over on Highway 93

On Saturday July 3 at 9:06 a.m. units from four agencies responded to a pick-up truck rollover at mile post 50 in the south bound lane of highway 93. DPS, Mohave Ranchos, Golden Valley and the Northern Arizona Fire Districts responded to assist five patients injured in the accident. Fire Chief Paul Hewitt of the Golden Valley Fire Department states possibly three of the five passengers were ejected from the vehicle as it rolled. The other two victims were extricated from the wreckage. Two females ages 3 and 26 were flown to Sunrise Medical Center in Las Vegas with critical injuries. Two adult males and a 5 year old boy were transported via ground ambulance to Kingman Regional. Chief Hewitt: “All agencies worked well together performing a quick triage and rapid transport of the accident victims”. All agencies involved remind parents of the importance of properly restraining children in vehicles. The family was from the Las Vegas area.

Firefighter Robert Cole surveys damages after extinguishing the fire.

Firefighters clean up after extinguishing this 2005 Chevy Silverado owned by Al Iside of Golden Valley. Mr. Iside said he was driving the truck when “The horn began honking and the engine sputtered”. When he opened the hood, the gasoline fed fire had engulfed the engine compartment. “The whole thing just caught on fire and spread fast” said the owner. Engineer Dusty Osborn reported a fully involved truck fire upon arrival on Shinarump Road. The truck valued at $15,000 was a total loss reported Assistant Fire Chief Thomas O’Donohue. Chief O’Donohue said to move away from car fires due to the explosive nature of the gasoline and never try and retrieve valuables from a burning vehicle. There were no injuries reported.

A Turn For the Worse

Golden Valley Fire and Rescue and Mohave County Sheriff's responded to the scene of a rolled over semi tractor-trailer at approximately 11:52 a.m. on June 29th. The truck owned by McKee Foods lost control while west bound on Shinarump Road. Two patients were transported to Kingman Regional Hospital for evaluation. Fire Chief Paul Hewitt stated the turn on Shinarump Road near Cococino Road has been the site of many accidents over the years. “Shinarump is deceiving in that it looks like you could safely drive at a higher speed until you enter a sharp turn such as this one and then it’s too late”. Captain Davy Cunningham stated that both victims were very fortunate to not have experienced more severe injuries.

Golden Valley Safety Fair

Kids and adults alike come to the Golden Valley Safety Fair sponsored in part by the Golden Valley Fire Department. Fire Chief Paul Hewitt praised Engineer Boyd Lewis who worked hard to bring together the community in this first time event that included the following agencies & sponsors: Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.), MCSO Volunteer Posse, Unisource Electric, Tristate Care Flight, River Medical, KZKE Radio 100.1, Golden Valley Medical Center / KRMC, Golden Valley PTA, and Project Safe. Citizen toured the Care Flight Helicopter, Unisource utility trucks, a fire engine and ambulance. Parents visited the PTA booth and Firefighter Gus Alvarez as “Flame” demonstrated Stop, Drop and Roll as children put him out with a fire hose. Golden Valley Fire plans on making this an annual community event.

Motor Vehicle Fire

Golden Valley Firefighter / Paramedics responded to a reported Brush Fire, and instead found a single vehicle accident and car fire. The vehicle appeared to have struck some large rocks just off the roadway, catching fire at the intersection of Ganado & Simon Street. The driver was found outside the vehicle on the ground when Firefighters arrived. The patient was treated and taken into custody by MCSO. The car was fully involved and had also begun a brush fire, which was quickly extinguished according to Captain Tony DeMaio. The vehicle is considered a total loss.

Firefighter Paramedics treat accident victim

Firefighters from Golden Valley & AMR crews treat a 22 year old victim of this rollover accident in the median of Highway-40 at approximately Oatman Road . Witnesses report the driver of the Jeep and a semi truck bumped while traveling on the highway, causing the driver of the Jeep to lose control coming to rest in the opposite direction of travel. The driver of the Jeep was transported to Kingman Regional with moderate injuries and the semi driver was uninjured.
Photo: Firefighter Paramedics treat accident victim

Firefighters tackle bee hive

Firefighters had their hands full when assisting at a residence on Bacobi Road on Sunday when homeowner John Murphy discovered a very large hive in his home. The picture taken after firefighters exterminated the bees is evidence how large this hive really was. Bees and wasps often make hives in old cars, sheds and even under tarps that are left undisturbed for long periods of time reports FF Roy Whitten. FF Whitten reminds citizens: “When in doubt, call us out” so we can handle the problem and not a person who becomes a patient who tried to fix the problem themselves. This is but one public service your firefighters provide to keep the public safe when within our ability.
Photo: Bee hive eliminated by Golden Valley Firefighters

Golden Valley Citizens Beware of Wild Dogs

Wild dogs in Golden Valley have been around for quite some time. Known as Feral dogs to most, these dogs have been spotted throughout the valley. Although no attacks on people have been reported, the animal control officers have received many calls for attacks on other dogs and livestock to include a recent attack on a Golden Valley resident’s donkey that had to be put to sleep due to the severity of its injury’s. Animal Control informs us there are two packs of feral dogs in the valley, one pack being on the north end of the valley and the other on the south.

The main cause of the feral dog pack could not be pinpointed but many think abandoned pets and runaway pets may be the leading contributor. Pack sizes have been seen by residents varying from 8 to 15 per pack. Most of the feral packs look like mix bred dogs and tend to be quite skinny. Animal control suggests getting your pets spayed or neutered and to keep other pets and livestock fenced in. In case of a sighting or an attack on a family pet or livestock citizens are asked to contact the Sheriff’s office. People should also carry some sort of protection if walking through the desert and should not purposely approach any feral dog.

By: Jake Trowbridge/Golden Valley Firefighter

Vehicle pinned to guardrail on Hwy-40 by Semi Truck

Firefighter / Paramedics from Golden Valley Fire work to extricate the driver of the vehicle who was pinned between the semi truck and the guardrail after they collided on Southbound Hwy-40 about Mile-Post 38. Paul Hewitt, Fire Chief for Golden Valley Fire reported the driver of the car was transported by Care-Flight Helicopter to a Las Vegas hospital with non life threatening injuries. The driver of the Semi was uninjured in the collision. Traffic was slowed to a crawl for approximately 2-hours while fire crews extricated the patient and ADOT helped clean the scene.

PHOTO: Firefighters remove the roof of the car to extricate the patient who was pinned inside his vehicle.

GVFD Responds to Car vs Motorcycle Accident

Assistant Fire Chief Thomas O’Donohue reported units from Golden Valley Fire Department responded to a car versus motorcycle collision this morning at 4:25 AM at the intersection of Hwy-93 and Aqua Fria. The motorcyclist is in critical condition and the driver of the car was transported to Kingman Regional Hospital as well. Chief O’Donohue stressed extra attention at all uncontrolled intersection crossings.

Photo Caption: Golden Valley Firefighters and River Medical crews attend the motorcycle driver.

Intersections on Highway 68 Remain Dangerous

Passing through Golden Valley on highway 68 one can see many roadside memorials illustrating the clear and present danger highway intersections without street lights present. Fire Chief Paul Hewitt advises: “Residents should approach each intersection defensively expecting vehicles to pull out into the lanes of travel”. �

On Tuesday May 18, 2010 a 58 year old male riding a Harley motorcycle collided with a Ford F-150 pickup truck on Highway 68 mile post 23 at approximately 9:30 a.m. Golden Valley Fire Department Paramedics and the Department of Public Safety responded. Crews arrived within three minutes and treated the patient for immediate transport to Kingman regional hospital with critical injuries.�