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This Week
NEWS .............. 4 Fry’s Food Store coming to Buckeye on May 5
SPORTS ........ 16 Cardoza wins wrestling state championship
FEATURES .... 18 ‘Jurassic World’ movie night coming to Avondale
OPINION ................. 8 BUSINESS.............. 11 SUMMER CAMP..... 14 SPORTS ..................16 FEATURES ..............18 YOUTH ..................20 OBITUARIES ...........20 CLASSIFIEDS ..........21 NORTH
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April 21, 2021
The Voice of the West Valley for 36 years
Avondale Fire and Medical hires new division chief BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
A
vondale Fire and Medical has hired Julie Smith as the new fire division chief, overseeing professional development and training. Prior to joining Avondale on April 5, Smith worked for the Gila River Fire Department for 15 years, most recently serving in the role as captain and acting battalion chief. “What really excites me right now is the personnel development part of the organization,” Smith said. “And honestly, the development and the growth of the organization is just something that I’m really looking forward to being a part of.” During her time with Gila River, Smith earned her paramedic certification, served as lead recruit training officer and ran the EMS Supplies division.
Her credentials also include a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology and anthropology from New Mexico Highlands University. “It’s a different perspective,” Smith said, referring to the transition from Gila River to Avondale. “But in terms of training and different things that I was doing in Gila River, I’m bringing that experience over here and basically bringing in a new, different perspective, but at the same time I’m learning a lot by how Avondale’s been doing things.” As a woman in a field where females make up less than 10% of the U.S. fire service, Smith said she hopes her new role inspires other women and proves that persistence pays off. “If it’s something that you truly care
Chief...continued on page 2
Julie Smith, who was recently hired as Avondale Fire and Medical’s new fire division chief, spent 15 years with the Gila River Fire Department. During that time, she earned her paramedic certification, served as lead recruit training officer and ran the EMS Supplies division. (Photo
courtesy of the city of Avondale)
Southwest Valley Chamber hires new president BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
T
he Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has named Jeffrey Campos as its new president and CEO, replacing John Safin, who led the organization for eight years. “There are so many great opportunities out in the Southwest Valley here, and that’s what really excites me,” Campos said. “It also excites me that I’m able to bring my experience and vision to the chamber. And whether it’s in the community rela-
tions, the economic development or just really being a connector. Chamber’s responsibility is to really provide strategic planning, create a shared vision, and increase relationships through networking, which are all things that really excite me and I pride myself on doing.” Campos joins the chamber after leaving a position as executive director for Global Chamber Denver & Chicago. His other experience includes adviser for Aspen Cap-
Jeffrey Campos will begin his job as the new Southwest Valley Chamber president and CEO on May 1. (Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Campos)
President...continued on page 2
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