Maricopa Fire and Medical Department doled out a dozen awards during its annual banquet this weekend, including four who assisted in a harrowing water rescue in October.  

The banquet recognized Capt. Jon Sheaffer, Engineer Kyle Stanley and Firefighters Jorge del Muro and Edgar Paredes with the Distinguished Service Award. They rescued two people caught in a flash flood at Murphy and Steen Roads after they entered a road closed due to flooding.  

“In conditions where fast-moving water turned a roadway into a life-threatening hazard in moments, the crew of Ladder 571 demonstrated the higher standard of distinguished service, responding as a primary unit to a vehicle with occupants trapped in water,” Fire Chief Brad Pitassi said. “Under pressure, two members of the community went home safely that day.” 

Others were recognized for their actions in crashes, being mentors to other firefighters and exceeding expectations for required training hours.  

The department also recognized Province resident and Volunteer Fire Corps member Ron Smith. He received the Community Service Award for bringing the Yellow Dot Program the city. The program alerts first responders about a patient’s medical conditions, chronic illnesses, medications and other necessary information when responding to an emergency.

Engineer Ben Blanco plants a kiss on Cpt. Joshua Eads' temple during an awards banquet on Feb. 21, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

A Maricopa Fire/Medical Department truck sits outside Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino on Feb. 21, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Rep. Teresa Martinez sits at a table during the Maricopa Fire/Medical Department awards banquet on Feb. 21, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Statuettes for Maricopa Fire/Medical Department's Firefigher of the Year award sit on a table with gift bags on Feb. 21, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

A firefigher of the year award for Ben Blanco sits on a table during a Maricopa Fire/Medical Department awards banquet on Feb. 21, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Ron Smith shakes the hand of Fire Chief Brad Pitassi as he receives a community service award during the Maricopa Fire/Medical Department's awards banquet on Feb. 21, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Firefighter of the Year Award 

Firefighter Spencer Nathe 

Engineer Ben Blanco 

Distinguished Service Award 

Capt. Jon Sheaffer 

Engineer Kyle Stanley 

Firefighter Jorge Del Muro 

Firefighter Edgar Paredes 

Engineer Claudio Rodriguez 

Capt. Paul Neumann 

Engineer Damon Flaherty 

Community Service Award 

Ron Smith 

Training Commendation Award 

Firefighter Adam DaSilva 

Firefighter Elden Brower 

20-Year Service Award 

Capt. Aaron Ray 

Engineer Tom Reid 

Battalion Chief Nathan Maxcy 

Engineer Antonio Luna 

Capt. Dusty Jenkins 

Capt. Matthew Bradbeer 

Assistant Chief Chris Bolinger 

10-Year Service Award  

Capt. Darien Pena 

Firefighter Jorge Del Muro 

Recognition of Retirees 

Engineer James Huerta 

Engineer John Campanar 

Promotion 

Engineer James Olderbak