CLAY SPRINGS/PINEDALE — Chief Bob Garvin has led the Clay Springs Pinedale Volunteer Fire District for 23 years. He will retire on Oct. 7, concluding a 39-year legacy of service to the small rural community.
Born in Snowflake, Arizona, Chief Garvin began his career with the district in 1986, working his way up through the ranks to become captain. In 2002, following his dedicated service during the devastating Rodeo-Chedeski Fire, he was appointed chief. Since then, Garvin has guided the district with steady leadership, commitment, and a willingness to serve the people of Clay Springs and Pinedale.
During the Rodeo-Chediski Fire, Garvin, his wife, and other volunteers spent 18 days on the front lines saving structures and forest land. Using the district’s GMC Engine-611, along with bulldozers and chainsaws, they remained in the Clay Springs Pinedale area, doing all they could to hold back the advancing flames. Their efforts during one of the largest wildfires in Arizona history saved multiple structures — and, remarkably, no one was injured.
The 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire scorched 462,600 acres, making it one of the largest wildfires the state has ever seen. Its impact on the communities of Clay Springs and Pinedale remains deeply felt today, a reminder of both the fire’s devastation and the resilience of those who fought it.
“I took over as chief after the Rodeo-Chediski Fire and helped the community heal and rebuild. It was an honor to be called to serve at such a time in our community’s history,” said Chief Gavin. “Our Saviour places us in positions of service at just the right time.”
Chief Gavin also worked and advocated for the district by securing new equipment and renovating the firehouse with his unique woodworking skills. He designed and crafted the wood accent walls of the building, as well as the cabinets. He is also a devout follower of Jesus Christ and is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He remarked about the wonderful community of volunteers and the fire board.
“I appreciate the Clay Springs Pinedale Fire District auxiliary volunteers, the fire board’s dedication to the community, and the wonderful fire district volunteers that risk their lives for our community; without them, my job as chief of this community would not have been possible,” said Chief Garvin.
Over the course of his 39-year career, Chief Garvin trained countless generations of volunteer firefighters, earning a modest wage yet remaining steadfast in his commitment to decades of community service.
He now passes the leadership role on to the next generation.
A replacement chief has not yet been selected. In the meantime, Jason S. Payne, Chief of the Heber-Overgaard Fire District, will oversee daily duties and report to the board until a new chief is appointed to lead the Clay Springs Pinedale Volunteer Fire District.
A public retirement celebration will be held for Chief Garvin on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pinedale Fire Station.
We wish Chief Garvin a safe, excellent, and well-deserved retirement, and extend heartfelt thanks for his tireless service to the people of Clay Springs and Pinedale.
