31- year old Anthony Polk, lost his life when the off road firefighting truck he was in -rolled over in steep terrain while responding to the Montezuma fire.
"Anthony Polk was pronounced dead on scene, there were 2 other crew members and those 2 other firefighters were transported to the hospital where they were treated and released," says Jonetta Trued, Public Information Officer- Montezuma Fire.
Tribal officials say speed or impairment did not cause of the roll-over accident that killed the engine boss. They say a fire truck can hold hundreds of gallons of water and it's possible they were making a turn. They say the weight of the water and the angle of the turn is what could have caused the vehicle to roll. An accident investigation is being conducted by the Tohono O' Odam Police Department and it's ongoing.
"It occurred on a highway called Federal Route 19 near mile post 22. He was driving a type 6 Fire engine and that carries a lot of fire equipment and also carries water," says Trued.
Polk was part of a Bureau of Indian Affairs engine crew and lived most of his life in Yuma. He was responsible for overseeing management of the fire.
"You never expect these kinds of things to happen, it was very shocking, he was on his way to work expecting to work a long day," says Trued.
Officials say a viewing for Polk will be held on Friday and he will be cremated on Saturday. Polk is survived by a 5 year-old daughter, his mother, grandmother, and numerous relatives and friends.
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