On Aug. 14, the Awards Committee descended upon Station 37 to bestow Lt. Divenus Parker the Firefighter of the Fourth Quarter Award. Parker was honored as a result of her illustrious 30-year career, first with El Paso EMS and then after cross-training as a Firefighter, as an officer for the El Paso Fire Department. She has also served the department in various aspects, including as a member of the Peer Support Team, as a Paramedic Program administrator and as a Citizens CPR instructor. Lt. Parker also coordinates back to school drives for at-risk youth. The impact of his hard work, dedication, and professionalism is exemplary of the EPFD’s Core Values.
“It’s also a blessing that I have the health and the mindset to do these things.”
“I’m grateful I can do these things for the community in the Fire Department,” Parker said. “It’s also a blessing that I have the health and the mindset to do these things.”
The honor granted Parker with 24 hours of Administrative Leave. Additionally, his colleagues were treated to a lunch provided by Classic American Homes. They also presented her with a trophy and a gift certificate to enjoy with her family.
Lt. Oscar Salazar, who nominated Parker, says Parker goes above and beyond the call of duty.
“Last year, we asked for volunteers to raise the number of peer support members,” Salazar said. “Lt. Parker volunteered and attended the CISD training to become an active peer support member. Since then, she has attended and helped with various debriefings to help our firefighters cope with some of the difficult calls we encounter.”
Monica Jimenez, marketing director for Classic American Homes, was impressed by the many praises about Parker.
“Some history was made with Lt. Parker,” Jimenez said. “From one woman to another, I truly appreciate and tip my hat to her. To see that a woman has put on the uniform and has met the standards says a lot.”
Parker was glad her fellow firefighters at Station 37 were included in the accolades with a free lunch.
“I think it’s awesome that Classic American Homes does that,” Parker said. “They don’t have to, but they come out and take the time to do this, to show their support for the El Paso Fire Department.”
EP FireWire 