Bret Tarver, 40, an eight year veteran firefighter paramedic of Station 14 of the Phoenix, AZ Fire Department, lost his life while battling an afternoon blaze at a shopping center on March 14, 2001. Bret was one of the first crewmembers to arrive on scene around 5 PM after a fire broke out in the Southwest Supermarket on the corner of 35th Avenue and McDowell Road. The fire started in the rear of the building and quickly spread, dropping debris on firefighters. More than 120 firefighters responded to the blaze, which also damaged an adjacent hardware store and a clothing store. Three other firefighters trapped with him sustained injuries but were rescued, although Bret was unable to be rescued 75 feet inside the structure. Unfortunately, the local news tv station, channel 3 - KTVK, in a shameful attempt at sensationalism, was broadcasting fireground communications and Bret's last words were broadcast live over televisions locally. The three other firefighters that sustained injuries are recovering and are expected to return to duty.

       

      Our brother Bret left a wife, Robin, and three daughters, Rachel (10), Sarah (8), and Katie (6).

      The United Phoenix FireFighters Local 439 has established a memorial fund for the family. Donations to the charitable fund for the Bret Tarver Family, account number 49709301, are being accepted by Bank One. Please contact the Biltmore Banking Center at 2620 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016 for donations. The telephone number is (620) 261-5172.