Fire Chief Garcia’s public safety career spans over 20 hard years serving both Gila River EMS and Gila River Fire Dept. Garcia said

Kathy Garcia joined the department in 1997, as an apprentice with the first All Native American Fire Apprentice Academy. Due to her long tenure, she’ seen the in’s and outs of the department starting from the bottom and ascending to this point in her career.

Through a series of career opportunities, Garcia has filled many roles as a firefighter, acting Lieutenant, acting Captain with the City of Maricopa Fire Department.

In 2006, she returned to the Community and began her career with GRFD as a Fire Inspector. In 2014, Garcia’s leadership skills were put to the test, when she was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Fire Marshal.

She also served with the Gila River Emergency Medical Services as an EMT. Garcia was also a Fire Captain at Station 421, overseeing the day-to-day operations.

As for being the first female to serve as Fire Chief, Garcia said, “It’s overwhelming and humbling but I’m honored.” She knows she has many youth and young girls watching her and she wants to serve as a positive influence for them.