By Jon Johnson
PIMA – Pima Fire Department EMS Captain Brandon Little was recognized during the Pima Town Council meeting Monday after the department received a grant award of $10,000 from Freeport McMoRan Community Investment Foundation. The grant was paid in support of the Freeport McMoRan Volunteer Excellence Awards, which recognizes Freeport employees who give back to the community with their time and expertise.
The money will pay half the cost for new extrication equipment for the fire department, with the town covering the other half.
Little works as an EMT for Freeport McMoRan and is responsible for the fire department’s EMT program, which includes a certification class partnership with EAC.
“He’s basically the reason we have the EMT program that we have today,” Pima Town Manager Sean Lewis said. “He does an amazing job.”
According to Little, the volunteer Pima Fire Department has 15 certified EMTs or paramedics on staff, “which is incredible to have in this small town,” Little said. “Our fire department responds to all 9-1-1 emergencies, whether its (a) fire or emergency medical services.”
Within the last year, the Pima Fire Department has hosted its own EMT class for members who could not make it to the class times at EAC. The class was still run through the college, however, and those who passed received college credit.
