Two Buckeye Fire-Medical-Rescue Department leaders received statewide honors this week, according to a press release.
Fire Chief Jake Rhoades won the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association’s Alan V. Brunacini Chief Fire Officer of the Year Award. It is given annually to one Arizona chief who embodies the late Brunacini’s dedication and service excellence.
Since taking command in 2021, Rhoades has guided the department through international accreditation and expanded regional training under Arizona’s automatic aid system.
Assistant Chief Rayne Gray received the newly created Chief Dennis Compton Emerging Leader Award, honoring innovative leadership in Arizona’s fire service. A Marine Corps veteran, Gray built a leadership program to mentor future captains and advocated for firefighter health and safety standards.
“Buckeye is incredibly proud of Chief Rhoades and Assistant Chief Gray for their exceptional leadership and well-deserved statewide recognition, which reflects the high standard of excellence and dedication they bring to protecting our residents every day,” the City of Buckeye said.
Both awards were presented Tuesday at the AFCA/AFDA Fire & EMS Leadership Conference & Expo in Glendale.
