Phoenix Fire Fighter Takes Office

June 5, 2008 – When Phoenix, AZ Local 493 fire fighter Joel Navarro decided to run for Tempe City Council, his fellow Local 493 members and other IAFF fire fighters from across Arizona rallied behind his campaign. Thanks to all of their hard work, Navarro won his election and is set to take office July 17.

“Navarro has spent the majority of his life serving Tempe and was the logical choice for city council,” says Phoenix Local 493 Director of Political Affairs Bill Whitaker. “We are very proud of his win and know that he will be a great leader in his community.

Whitaker adds, “This victory also demonstrates the influence Local 493 has in political campaigns. We have established substantial momentum, but we need to continue to build on it.”

Navarro, a 13-year veteran fire fighter, was born and has lived most of his life in Tempe. He joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1995 and has served in many community organizations, including the Tempe Human Relations Commission and the Day Labor Sub Committee.

He decided to take his community involvement to the next level by running for city council. With the help of Whitaker and campaign manager Tony Butch -- a recent IAFF Political Training Academy graduate -- the Navarro campaign gathered widespread support quickly.

Fire fighters from across Arizona donated PAC dollars and became heavily engaged in a grassroots effort. “At the highest point, we had as many as 80 fire fighters walking the streets handing out campaign literature,” says Navarro. “There’s no question – I could not have won this election without their help and support.”

When he takes office in July, Navarro plans to focus on four key issues: public safety, neighborhood revitalization, smart city development and education.