Statement by Governor Brewer
Mourning the Loss of Apache Firefighter Deon Classay
PHOENIX – “I was deeply saddened to learn that veteran firefighter Deon “Dino” Classay died in the line of duty last weekend while responding to the Diamond Fire on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation near Whiteriver, Arizona. This summer has brought some of the most devastating wildfires in Arizona history, and discovering that a blaze has resulted in a casualty leaves me with a pained and heavy heart. Please join me in praying for Mr. Classay, for his fellow firefighters and for the loved ones he left behind.
“Deon Classay, 43, of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, was no stranger to risking his life on the job. He was a 22-year member of the Fort Apache Hotshot Crew, one of only seven all-Native American interagency hotshot crews in the country.
“Mr. Classay will be remembered not only for the bravery he exuded in uniform, but also for his role as husband, father and grandfather. I ask that you take a moment to pray for Deon Classay, for his family and for the thousands of firefighters who have put themselves in harm’s way over the course of this difficult fire season.
“I have ordered that all state flags be lowered to half-staff Sunday, July 31, from sunrise to sunset in remembrance of fallen firefighter Deon Classay.”
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| Deon "Dino" Classay |
U.S. Department of the Interior
Branch of Wildland Fire Management News Release
Line of Duty Fatality
Fort Apache Hotshot Crewmember – Deon "Dino" Classay On July 24 at approximately 6 a.m., firefighter Deon Jason Classay was found deceased while working on the lightning-caused Diamond Fire on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation near Whiteriver, Arizona.
Fighting the 35 acre wildfire were the Fort Apache Helitack crew and the Fort Apache Hotshots. Following completion of a handline around the fire, all resources hiked to an established spike camp for the evening. As resources returned, the Incident Commander determined Classay was not accounted for and initiated a search. After several unsuccessful attempts to contact him throughout the evening, local, county and state law enforcement agencies were requested to assist with search efforts. At 6:18 am, Deon "Dino" Classay was found dead.
An Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Team comprised of specialists from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and USDA Forest Service arrived July 26 to begin the investigation process. The outcome of the investigation will help the interagency wildland fire community improve safety procedures and practices that take place during wildland fire suppression activities.
Acting BIA Fort Apache Agency Superintendent, Lynn Polacca spoke highly of Classay, "he was well liked and committed to excellence. An expert sawyer, he earned the respect of his crewmembers and was a leader the crew looked up to. He will be missed by his family, fellow crewmembers, and community."
Classay, born May 1, 1968, served on the Fort Apache Hotshot Crew for 22 years. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mitzie Classay, two children, Thane and Mandy, and two granddaughters, Kylee and Kamare.
A two night wake will take place beginning Friday July 29 at 10am. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at the Chief Alchesay Activity Center in Whiteriver, AZ at 1pm. He will be buried at the family plot in Seven Mile, Arizona at the Solid Rock Cemetery.
Sympathy cards and donations can be sent to:
Fort Apache Agency
Branch of Forestry
180 West Horseshoe Drive
Whiteriver, AZ 85941 C/O: Candy Lupe
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