Fort Yuma Agency Fire Fighter Dies in Rollover of Emergency Vehicle on Way to Fire

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

Anthony Polk, 31, a Bureau of Indian Affairs Engine Crew fire fighter for Fort Yuma Agency dies.

SELLS, ARIZONA – Anthony Polk, 31, a Bureau of Indian Affairs Engine Crew fire fighter for Fort Yuma Agency, lost his life in line of duty on Friday morning.

He and two other fire fighters were on their way to fight a fire on the Tohono O'odham Nation to battle a fire on the Baboquivari Mountain Range west of Tucson.

The brush vehicle they were on rolled over in rough terrain southwest of Tuscon. Polk died on the scene.

"Anthony Polk was a BIA fire operations and fuels technician at the Fort Yuma Agency with his final assignment being a wildland fire engine boss. On behalf of the US Department of the Interior and the Office of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Indian Education, it is with great sadness we join the nation in mourning the loss of such a brave and courageous man."

"I know that he was well regarded by all who knew him and that he had called on the public to honor the loss of a fellow firefighter in 2008. The service and commitment of the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting Indian Country is a selfless duty embodied by Mr. Polk. Firefighters must endure long hours, difficult conditions and danger. Their actions and self-sacrifice truly represent the values most highly revered by our tribal cultures and traditional leadership of putting one's self second to the needs of the community."

Flags ordered to fly at half staff

Stated Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald "Del" Laverdure in a statement released today from Washington.

Flags have been ordered to fly at half staff by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer until sunset June 16.

posted June 11, 2012 5:00 pm edt