Yuma, AZ- The Yuma Fire Department kicked off 2025 EMS week with a celebration at the City of Yuma Council Chambers. YFD hosted the EMS week celebration and the event included a Proclamation read by City of Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls and special recognition of several individuals, for achievements and service to our department and community. Representing the Yuma Fire Department for the presenting of these awards was Deputy Fire Chief John Louser, and Division Chief Daniel Espino. EMS Week is May 18th – 24th and this year’s theme is “We Care. For Everyone.”
Firefighter/EMT Gavin Goble was recognized with an EMT of the Year award. Gavin sets the precedent when serving the community to the best of one’s ability! An essential figure to YFD, Gavin has served the City of Yuma with integrity and professionalism for over 20 years! Gavin is as reliable as he is enjoyable and serves as a great mentor and role model to the younger generation of firefighters. Gavin’s character is unmatched, and his attitude revered! His greatest strength is the pride and preparation he puts forth in his role as a firefighter/EMT every day; always ready and willing to assist with patient care, while providing great knowledge and intuition on all emergency calls.
Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Endres was recognized as Paramedic of the Year. As a paramedic, one must be decisive, command a scene, delegate tasks, and handle oneself with composure in the most intense and critical moments. Jeff Endres excels in these situations! Time and time again I have witnessed Jeff rise to the occasion, taking command, and making the critical decisions necessary for the best outcomes for his patients. He is the epitome of a firefighter, and a highly respected and skilled paramedic for the City of Yuma. The acknowledgement of his professionalism and excellence is long overdue. Jeff is an exceptional paramedic and incredible role model to all at YFD. Jeff always looks after his fellow medics, often taking the calls himself or offering his assistance during transport. Jeff is as vital to his crew as he is to the patients being tended to, and it is without question that the scenes run smoother, and the outcomes are far greater when Jeff is leading the scene!
An EMS Cobra Award was given to Fire Fighter Albert Hernandez. The EMS Division through our Quality Assurance Committee are proud to award Paramedic Albert Hernandez with this year’s Cobra Award. The Cobra Award is given to a member of our department for their commitment to strive for better documentation. Paramedic Hernandez, has been serving on Medic 3 and despite tremendous call volume, writes both high and low acuity patient care forms with a great level of detail and professionalism. Paramedic Hernandez constantly seeks improvement, and his documentation skills are consistently thorough.
This year’s 911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year is Alyssa Solorio. Alyssa Solorio began her career as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher in June of 2015. She has always shown an interest in fulfilling the Yuma Fire Department and the Public Safety Communications Center’s mission. Over the years, this has evolved into a passion resulting in Alyssa being consistent with her Emergency Medical Dispatch call processing, averaging 48 seconds. She continues to be the calm and compassionate voice on the other end of that 911 call for help.
The following promotions and badge pining’s were celebrated:
Division Chief: Rich Root
Division Chief: Daniel Espino
Fire Captain: Manuel Pelayo
Fire Captain: Jared White
Also pinned was the graduating YFD recruit academy 24-2
Firefighter: Toby Maples
Firefighter: Sam Ortiz
Firefighter: Anthony Fila
Firefighter: Sean Sosinski
Lastly, 911 Dispatcher Jeremy Gononi was recognized with a Stork Pin. On February 17th, 2025, Dispatcher Jeremy Ganoni answered an EMD call from the husband of a patient that was in labor. The call went from water broken to the urge to push in a matter of seconds. Jeremy reacted quickly and following his EMD guide cards walked the parents through a successful delivery of a baby boy. Congrats Jeremy on your stork pin.