WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Several public safety departments representing the Navajo Nation unified today as President Nygren signed a proclamation declaring May 19-25 as Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Service Week.
EMS, Navajo Police, and Firefighters, Department of Corrections, and Department of Emergency Management all sat at the table with President Nygren this afternoon.
They gave recognition and appreciation to their fellow responders in the field. Many trained together, forging unbreakable friendships. The honor shown to each other could be felt in their smiles, handshakes, and a simple ahéheé that bonds them.
“EMS is everyone’s lifeline. We all count on one another when we are out in the field,” said Navajo Nation Deputy Chief of Police Ronald Silversmith. “Back in 1985, police were the only department on scene performing all roles. Now we have many sources of public safety personnel, along with technology, we all have come a long way to help and respond to the needs of our communities.”
President Nygren acknowledged the advancement of technology that has helped save lives, but he knows the Navajo EMS department still faces challenges.
“Roads are bumpy, service is terrible, and we have miles and miles of land and people to cover,” said President Nygren. “I signed a $6.9 million contract with FirstNet that will bring E911 services to Navajo, referring all emergency calls to the closest emergency station, which previously had gone hours away to border towns.”
Department of Corrections thanked EMS for providing care for inmates under challenging conditions. EMS also responded to wildfires, winter snowstorms, and recently, a train derailment near Lupton, having to evacuate the community. These are just a few examples of the scope of work these EMS perform and risk their lives daily.
“As a leader of a Nation, I know what it means to take initiative for the people,” said President Nygren. “But these EMS, paramedics, and first responders, they know what it means to take the initiative and save the people, and not a lot of people can do that, put a whole nation’s safety before yours. Thank you to our frontline workers. Know that I keep all of you in my prayers, and I always encourage you to stay healthy, practice self-care, and pray.”
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