Glendale Firefighters Local 493

01/08/2026

January 21, 2026 we will be honoring and remember the life of Kevin Thompson.

Kevin was a devoted brother, friend, and servant to his community. His strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He gave so much of himself both professionally and personally and his legacy will continue through the lives he touched.

We invite those who knew and loved Kevin to join us in honoring his life and legacy at his funeral service. Please keep his family, friends, and fire family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Brother. You will never be forgotten.

01/06/2026

Early this morning, we lost our brother Kevin Thompson (KT) after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma.

KT was more than a Captain—he was a brother, a mentor, and a friend. This line-of-duty occupational cancer death hits home for all of us across the Valley and throughout the fire service, reminding us of the risks that remain long after the call is over.

KT, we love you. You will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, my friend.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Glendale Firefighters Local 493!

Wishing our community a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season. Thank you for your continued support—proud to serve you today and always!!!

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas Eve from Glendale Firefighters Local 493!

As you celebrate, please keep these safety tips in mind:

• Cooking: Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep flammable items away from the stove
• Driving: Slow down, buckle up, and never drive impaired—arrive safely to those who matter
• Make Memories: Enjoy time with loved ones, put the phones down, and keep safety first so the memories last a lifetime

Wishing our community a safe, happy, and memorable Christmas Eve!

12/19/2025

Today, we remember Mark Fowl and honor his legacy of service, dedication, and brotherhood. His impact on our department and community will never be forgotten.

We Love and Miss You Mark!

— Glendale Firefighters Local 493

12/18/2025

Yesterday, in a historic development, the U.S. Senate passed the IAFF-endorsed Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), advancing a long-fought effort by the IAFF to secure federal recognition of occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death.

The bill, which has strong bipartisan support in both chambers, now goes to President Donald Trump, who will sign it into law today.

The Honor Act updates the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to recognize occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death. The bill extends death and educational benefits to survivors and presumes certain cancers are job-related, removing the requirement to pinpoint a specific exposure.

You can read the entire article at www.iaff.org

In a historic development, the U.S. Senate has passed the IAFF-endorsed Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act

12/12/2025

Our deepest condolences to the Phoenix Fire Department on the passing of Captain Luke Moran.

We stand with his Family, Friends, and Phoenix Fire Brothers and Sisters during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Sir.

— Glendale Firefighters Local 493

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from Glendale Firefighters Local 493! 🦃

Wishing our community a warm, safe, and joyful holiday surrounded by family, friends, and great food.

As you celebrate today, please keep these Thanksgiving safety tips in mind:

🔥 Never leave cooking unattended — most holiday fires start in the kitchen.
🦃 If you’re frying a turkey, make sure it’s fully thawed and keep the fryer outdoors on flat ground.
🚫 Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces and cooking areas.
⚠️ Check smoke alarms before you start cooking.
🧯 Keep a lid or fire extinguisher nearby in case of a small grease fire. (Remember: never use water on grease fires.)

From our fire family to yours — have a safe, happy, and memorable Thanksgiving!

— Glendale Firefighters Local 493 🧑‍🚒

11/21/2025

Help Us Make Christmas Brighter!

Join Glendale Firefighter Charities in bringing holiday cheer to local children in need. We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys at the following Glendale Fire Houses:

152- 6850 W Bethany Home Rd
Glendale, AZ 85303
United States

154- 4439 W Peoria Ave
Glendale, AZ 85302
United States

156- 6801 W Deer Valley Rd
Glendale, AZ 85308
United States

157- 9658 N 59th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85302
United States

🕒 Drop-off Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Your generosity helps ensure every child feels the magic of Christmas. Thank you for supporting!

11/08/2025

Our deepest condolences to the Tempe Fire & Medical Rescue Department, the Garza family, and all of John’s loved ones.

Fire Paramedic John Garza served his community for over 20 years and faced his battle with cancer with remarkable strength and courage.

Rest easy, Brother. We’ll take it from here.

— Glendale Firefighters Local 493

11/02/2025

Honoring Capt. Mock & Capt. Leatham. 💛
Their legacy lives on in When All the Color Is Gone.

Last night at the Firefighters Unite Against Cancer Gala, guests were treated to a special screening of When All the Color Is Gone, a moving short film produced in partnership with the 493 Firefighter Foundation and Red Volcanic Film Company. The film honors the lives and legacy of Captains Anthony Mock and Scott Leatham, reminding us of the impact they left on their families, their crews, and our fire service community.

You can watch it on YouTube. The link is in the comments section.

Thank you all for your support!

10/31/2025

Your Glendale Firefighters Local 493 wants to remind Glendale to keep safety first while enjoying the spooky festivities. Watch for trick-or-treaters, drive carefully, and make sure costumes are visible at night.

Happy Halloween from all of us!