Our condolences to the Thomas family and the Somerton/Cocopah, Arizona, Fire Department. Assistant Chief Darell Thomas, 48, a 20 year veteran of the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department died Saturday, December 15, 2001. Darrell was filling the 500 gallon water tank on his brush truck from a hydrant on the West Cocopah Reservation when he suffered an apparent heart attack.

     Darrell was a respected member of the Cocopah Nation and worked as a Cocopah Tribal Police Officer. Darrell dedicated his life and career as a certified EMT Fire Fighter to the Cocopah/Somerton Fire Department. He worked as a volunteer until about a year ago, when the Cocopah and Somerton Fire Departments merged to make better use of their resources. Darrell was one of the main people responsible for the merger. He was a forward-looking man and, along with the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Chief Jose Huizar, was working on modernizing the department. Among the projects Darrell and Huizar were pursuing were building a new fire station and obtaining new firefighting equipment for the department. Darrell also was responsible for local firefighters joining the International Association of Firefighters.

     Our brother, Darrell, left behind his wife, Margarita, his sons, Adam, Darin, and James, and his daughters, Elena, Allison, Kathy, and Deanna.

     A viewing will be held Thursday, December 20, 2001 from 6-8PM at Kammann Mortuary. Funeral Services have been scheduled for 3PM Friday, December 21, 2001 at assembly of God Church on the East Reservation Cry House with cremation at 6AM, Saturday, December 22, 2001. A memorial fund has been established and donations can be made to: