During the summer of 2013 residents of the Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell communities mourned the loss of two men who will long be remembered for their legacy of leadership, integrity and humility.

Dr. Clinton M. Pattea, president of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and Chief Scott LaGreca of the Fountain Hills Rural/Metro Fire Department passed away within weeks of one another in June and July.

Dr. Pattea peacefully entered his eternal life on July 5, 2013, at home with family by his side.

He was born on Nov. 11, 1930 to Lillian Shenah and Felix Pattea, on his ancestral land of Kwoyokopaya-Yavapai, now known as the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

His upbringing was very modest, relying on farming and cattle ranching to sustain, not just one’s life, but the life of the whole community.

Dr. Pattea’s formal education started at the Fort McDowell Day School, later he attended the Phoenix Indian School, where he began to demonstrate his leadership talents.

In 1999 Dr. Pattea was awarded his honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by his alma mater Northern Arizona University.

Through many of the challenges, as well as successes, (i.e. the Orme Dam; establishing water right settlements; 1992 Indian Gaming/FBI raids; providing economic development and employment opportunities to the tribe and Arizona) the Yavapai people have gone through, Dr. Pattea’s influence and the involvement among many others of Fort McDowell will truly not be forgotten.

Dr. Clinton M. Pattea was long recognized as a driving force behind the Yavapai Nation and Arizona’s successes in Indian gaming.

He was the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award presented by the National Indian Gaming Association. Dr. Pattea touched many lives and his passing was deeply felt throughout Indian Country, condolences were shared by many.

Chief LaGreca

Firefighters from across the Valley and State of Arizona, with representation from NYFD and Chicago Fire Department, gathered in early July to pay their last respects in a memorial service for Fountain Hills Fire Chief Scott LaGreca.

Chief LaGreca passed away June 15 following a battle with cancer.

His service included military honors, since LaGreca was a Vietnam veteran who saw active duty, along with traditional firefighter farewells, including a “last call” on the dispatch radio.

A drum and bagpipe corps from Pima County performed “Amazing Grace” as a departing honor.

Chief LaGreca’s sons remembered him as a “real life superhero” who built his family on a foundation of strength and love.

“He will forever be missed, but he will continue to live within us all,” son Jason said.

Son Brian LaGreca read a letter he had written to his dad a week before his death.

“I will always love and respect you and I will strive to be half the father you were for me,” Brian said.

Speaking on behalf of the Fountain Hills crew chiefs, Interim Asst. Chief Capt. Todd Brunin said, “We are all graduates of the ‘University of LaGreca.’

“We are fortunate to have served with him, he was our boss, a staunch ally, excellent role model and a voice of reason.

“He fostered an environment and culture of service to the community. His legacy will continue to live on.”

Mayor Linda Kavanagh commented a few weeks before his death when his retirement was announced, “The Fountain Hills Fire Department will forever bear the imprint of Chief Scott LaGreca, who was the most influential person in its development.

“And the people of Fountain Hills will always bear a great sense of gratitude to Scott for all he has done to protect and serve us.”