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THE NEWSPAPER OF AVONDALE, BUCKEYE, GOODYEAR, LITCHFIELD PARK & TOLLESON
David Benavidez PAGE
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westvalleyview.com
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This Week
GRADUATION SPECIAL INSIDE
FEATURES .... 21 Abrazo West celebrates Hospital Week
YOUTH .......... 24 TUHSD enrolling for summer school, camp
OPINION ................. 8 BUSINESS.............. 14 SPORTS ..................16 CALENDAR ............17 FEATURES ..............20 OBITUARIES ...........23 YOUTH ..................24 CLASSIFIEDS ..........28 NORTH
Eagle Project
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May 18, 2022
The Voice of the West Valley for 37 years
Ken Gilliam named Avondale fire chief BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
K
en Gilliam has joined the city of Avondale as the new chief of Avondale Fire and Medical. Gilliam brings 35 years of combined public safety, organizational leadership and managerial experience to his new role. Gilliam will oversee the operations for Avondale Fire and Medical and its 98 personnel who operate out of the city’s five fire stations. “It’s a department that’s been growing exponentially for quite a few years with the explosive growth of the city,” Gilliam said. “I’m stepping in with some fresh perspective for the organization just to see where they’re at, and really where we’re headed in the future is exciting.” He said it’s an exciting time for the role. “They just added a new station and there’s plans for a sixth, and with that comes staffing, and that expands the orga-
nization,” Gilliam said. “It’s exciting and fun stepping in right now to see where we’re going over the next five to 10 years.” Gilliam’s background includes fire service management experience, serving 14 years with St. Paul, Minnesota, as a deputy fire chief, and most recently five years as fire chief and emergency management director for La Crosse, Wisconsin. “Avondale is my sixth fire department in my career,” Gilliam said. “While some things are the same, every organization is a little bit different. I think it’s that perspective that I bring, stepping out with maybe fresh ideas or just ideas from different parts of the country, absorbing how Avondale Fire and Medical does things but also understanding externally what I can bring to the table.” His credentials also include experience in firefighting, emergency medical, tech-
Chief...continued on page 3
During the May 2 city council meeting, Ken Gilliam was sworn in as Avondale’s new fire and medical chief. (City of Avondale/Submitted)
New program blazing path to success in Avondale BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
A
vondale Middle School student Clarence Kabbah said he would do anything to show his appreciation for his firefighter mentor Bill Brott. Brott helps the 14-year-old student in and out of the classroom. “His consistency in coming by, being a
father figure, he has a cool job, he is responsible, and he is just a cool guy in general,” the eighth grader said about Brott. “You are a great mentor. You were always there for me. If I could return the favor, just ask.” The teen is one of 42 Avondale Middle School students who have a mentor from the Avondale Fire Department.
Thanks to a collaboration between the fire department and the school, students are partnered with a firefighter throughout the year to guide them along their academic journey. “There have been so many amazing benefits to working with Avondale Fire,” said
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