In attendance during the ceremony were the Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Council, Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, Prescott Mayor Marlin Kuykendall and David Essex of the Prescott Fire Department.
During the ceremony, Vice Chairman Robert Jackson Sr. of the Yavapai-Apache Nation said, “As a people, we were removed from our land, but blessed with the chance to return to the Verde Valley, and return to the blessings of land, water and thriving economic enterprises. Today, we want to share our blessings with the heroes who work to protect our communities. The efforts of the Granite Mountain Hot Shot Crew is a true reflection of sense of community, and the Yavapai-Apache Nation is honored to have the opportunity to offer support to the Families of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots.”
The Yarnell Hill Fire began on June 28 and burned more than 8,000 acres. While working on containing the fire, 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hot Shot Crew perished. The Granite Mountain Hot Shots, is the only Crew in the country organized through a municipal fire department.
“There is nothing stronger than the heart of a fire fighter. It is a real tribute of caring and compassion of the human spirit for the Yavapai-Apache Nation and Cliff Castle Casino to contribute $19,000 to the Families of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots. Thank you to the Nation for your generosity,” stated Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick.
“For more than 15 years, Cliff Castle Casino has been embraced by Northern Arizona. Our philosophy reflects the support we receive from the local community, and as a part of the community, we are honored to contribute to a cause that has touched our hearts here in Northern Arizona. We thank all of our fire fighters, emergency responders and men and women who have and continue to serve and sacrifice so much on a daily basis to protect and sustain our communities,” said Mary Ketterling, General Manager of Cliff Castle Casino.
The Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Council met July 3, at which time they unanimously approved a monetary donation to the Families of the Granite Mountain Hot Shot Crew, reflecting the Nation’s and its enterprises support of local communities and families.
