Phoenix Firefighter Dies Battling Blaze

March 15, 2001

Bret Tarver, an eight-year veteran of the Phoenix Fire Department, died Wednesday afternoon battling a blaze at a west Phoenix shopping center. He became only the third Phoenix firefighter to die on the job in 20 years. Tarver, a 40-year-old firefighter paramedic from Station 14, 1330 N. 32nd Ave., was one of the first crewmembers to arrive at a fire that broke out around 5 p.m. at a Southwest Supermarket located on the southwest corner of 35th Avenue and McDowell Road.

He and three other firefighers became trapped in a fire that initially began in the rear of the building, but quickly spread, dropping debris over the firefighters’ heads.

Three of the firefighters were safely rescued by crew, but Tarver was trapped by debris about 75 feet inside the structure.

The surviving firefighters were either treated at the scene or taken to local hospitals. None suffered life-threatening injuries and all are expected to return soon to their jobs.

More than 120 firefighers responded to the blaze, which also damaged an adjacent hardware store and clothing store.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.

The last Phoenix firefigher to die in the line of duty was Timothy Hale, who was killed in February 1994.

Visitation for Tarver is scheduled for 4 - 7 p.m. Sunday, March 18 at the All Saints Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Ave. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 19 at the Valley Cathedral Church, 6225 N. Central Ave.

The United Phoenix Firefighters Local 493 has established a memorial fund for the family of Bret Tarver. Donations to the Charitable Fund for the Bret Tarver Family, account number 49709301, are being accepted at any Bank One.

Listen to comments from Billy Shields, president of the United Phoenix Fire Fighters' Association

Listen to comments from Deputy Chief Bob Khan, Phoenix Fire Department