On Tuesday, April 21st, Coconino County Supervisor, Jim Parks, State Representative Bob Thorpe LD6, and David Peelman from Show Low, candidate for LD7 were honored to deliver to Sacred Mountain Medical Services in Tuba City on Navajo Nation, an ambulance that had been donated by Forest Lakes Fire Department in Coconino County.
The donation of this ambulance was begun a year ago when Forest Lakes Fire Department received a $250K grant from the Gila River Indian Community in southern Arizona for a new ambulance. Forest Lakes Fire Dept. graciously donated the replaced ambulance at that time to County Supervisor Parks, to be given to Navajo Nation.
“This is truly a “pay it forward” event with several members of our Arizona community working together to do good for other members of our Arizona community”, said Jim Parks.
This important gift by Forest Lakes Fire Dept. could not have come at a more opportune time, given the present COVID19 situation with every resource in the medical community stretched to the limit by the elements of dealing with this virus.
Representative Thorpe drove the ambulance to the Tuba City Airport, where it was turned over to Sacred Mountain Medical Services, and Regina Allison of Sacred Mountain Medical received the vehicle title from Supervisor Parks. Many of the ambulance attendants from Sacred Mountain were in attendance. Mr. David Peelman was there to help, and to drive Rep. Thorpe and Supervisor Parks back to Flagstaff. David Peelman also delivered a load of food and supplies from Rep. Walter Blackman and Senator Sylvia Allen, to go along with the ambulance delivery.
The ambulance was equipped with a special feature, a power lift for the gurney that makes it possible for one attendant working alone to load a 250 lb. plus patient into the back of the vehicle with the push of a couple of buttons. This may be a back-saver for the Sacred Mountain attendants, as they are transporting several patients per day to Tuba City, and to other medical facilities for treatment. Many of the transports are to Flagstaff or Winslow, with some going as far away as Phoenix for hospitalization.
Many Thanks from Supervisors Jim Parks and Lena Fowler of Coconino County, Navajo Nation and Sacred Mountain Medical Services, to Fire Chief Dave Rodriquez and the Forest Lakes Fire Department!!!
From the Office of Jim Parks, Coconino County Supervisor, District 4