Ask Rey Igliane what made him Scottsdale’s Firefighter of the Year, and he will not point to one rescue. He will point to the firefighters who taught him the job and his responsibility to do the same for those coming up behind him.
One Saturday night in Scottsdale shows why.
Shortly after midnight, the dispatch ended with two words: “STRUCTURE FIRE!”
Igliane was serving as acting engineer aboard Engine 602. Engine 601 had arrived and begun attacking the fire, but its supply line was dry. The hydrant was not working, the engine’s tank water was running low and the crew needed water quickly.
Igliane found the next hydrant, laid a new supply line, secured the water and connected it to Engine 601. It required him to stay calm, think beyond the textbook and solve the problem in front of him.
That readiness is why Igliane will receive Scottsdale’s Firefighter of the Year honor, recognizing his leadership, integrity and service to the department and community. But he is quick to share the credit.
“The real story behind this award isn't really about me. It's about the firefighters who invested in me when I was new to the job,” he says.
For Igliane, carrying that forward means mentoring probationary firefighters. When one recruit at Station 602 was struggling and placed on an action plan, Igliane took time to understand the person, not just the performance. He learned about his family, interests and motivations. They worked out together, practiced with equipment and kept building his confidence. Igliane even checked in on difficult days when they were off duty.
He also told the recruit about his own action plan after failing a fire academy quiz.
“I wanted him to understand that failure can be positive feedback,” he says.
The firefighter completed probation. Igliane called to congratulate him.
Becoming a firefighter took Igliane 10 years. Along the way, his family relocated twice, raised three children and supported a career that asks sacrifices of all of them. He also credits his church community with shaping his humility, perseverance and commitment to serving others.
Igliane will receive the award on September 27th during the Behind the Flames dinner at Mastro’s City Hall. To him, the recognition comes with an expectation: keep giving to the firefighters coming behind him.
“It's not about one person, it's about carrying forward a culture of service, mentorship, and investing in the next generation.”
On behalf of Scottsdale City Lifestyle and our community, we thank Rey and all of Scottsdale’s firefighters for their courage, commitment and service.