Driving force: Floyd Friar’s 40 years behind Yuma’s fire fleet
Andrea Turisk
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Whether its a ladder truck or ambulance chances are Floyd Friar has had his hand in maintaining it.
Since 1985, he’s been Yuma Fire Department’s (YFD) fleet expert making sure everything and everyone gets where they need to go safely.
Inside Yuma Fire Station, Floyd Friar is right at home. Floyd joined the YFD in 1985. Since then, he’s helped design, modify, and maintain every vehicle in the fleet.
“I feel like I contribute to trying to supply them with the equipment they need to do their life saving jobs and stuff like that,” says Friar.
Through changes in technology and equipment Floyd has stayed ahead. Helping spec out new engines, custom building tools, and making real time repairs that can help save lives.
David Padilla, Public Information Officer for YFD, says, “There is not a truck, or ambulance, or engine at the Yuma Fire Department that doesn’t have Floyds fingerprints on it.”
Chief Dustin Fields says Floyd worked with his dad in 1985. Then, when he joined the department, he was able to witness Floyd’s dedication himself.
“I’ve always heard good stories about Floyd and when I joined the department, I was just blown away at his creativity and his ability to solve problems,” says Chief Fields.
Floyd says he’s not quite ready to hang the wrench yet, but he’s proud of the work he’s done thus far.
“I’m doing what I wanna do. It doesn’t feel like I’ve been here 40 years. I’m not that person that’s looking to retire,” says Friar.
Friar says what he’s most proud of isn’t just trucks, but the trust his team has in him and after 40 years the trust runs deep.