OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2025
The department recognizes Parks and Recreation staff on a quarterly basis who not only exemplify the Pima County Core Values of Accountable, Respectful and Ethical but also demonstrate “exceptional performance” that exceeds their normal day-to-day job-related duties.
This quarter, we would like to formally congratulate Mr. Josh Chavez, Park Technician I, as the PR Employee of the Quarter for Oct – Dec 2025
On the morning of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at approximately 9:45am, Josh was approaching a low depression of the Santa Cruz River section of the Chuck H. Huckelberry Loop. This location, near Sunset Road, routinely ponds after a storm event. As the water subsides, staff use various practices to remove the mud and sediment, which Josh was about to accomplish. However, on this day, he witnessed a park patron attempt to navigate his bicycle through the compromised condition at a high rate of speed, which ultimately led to a crash. The accident was so intense, the cyclist fell unconscious after the crash.
Josh swiftly made his way to the accident scene and the unresponsive park patron. He called 911 and received instructions to turn the cyclist on his back and perform CPR until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived. The pressure was intense for the first 10 to 15 minutes while the 911 operator provided CPR instructions to Josh. Miraculously, the injured cyclist awoke, and then Josh attempted to calm him in place until the EMS professionals arrived.
After the EMS team reached the crash scene, they took over primary care. Administratively, Josh called and notified his Park Supervisor of the incident and completed the PR Incident form and took pictures of the scene.
Undoubtedly, on this day, Josh was at the right place at the right time and decisively executed. Without hesitation and with great courage, he selflessly acted to help save a life. It’s not very often Park staff are found in a position to go above and beyond their normal daily core duties and administer CPR or first aid. With only 6+ months on the job as a Park Technician I, Josh truly went above and beyond and undeniably helped save a life…Outstanding!