High Country Awards has graciously created Timber Mesa Strong shirts with 100% of the proceeds going to the White Mountains Firefighter Foundation. High Country Awards is a locally owned and operated business and is owned by Nicole Parrack’s parents.

In light of the tragic events of the past weeks they wanted to create something to bring our community together to not only pay tribute to the fallen but also to remind those left behind how much they are loved and supported during the recovery process.

Here is the design for the shirts. T-shirt- $25
Long Sleeve – $30
Hoodie – $45

High Country Awards will take orders and then produce these – once again 100% OF ALL PROCEEDS GOING DIRECTLY TO THE WHITE MOUNTAIN FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION.

Email [email protected] or text 928-205-9612 to order.

Sorry only cashapp or Zelle currently available for payment.

In Loving Memory of Damon Blaine Thompson May 9, 2004 – September 14, 2025

It is with profound sorrow and deepest respect that we announce the passing of Firefighter and EMT Damon Blaine Thompson, age 21, of Concho, Arizona. Damon was tragically killed in the line of duty due to an accident that occurred while bravely serving the community he loved. Born on May 9, 2004, in Show Low, Arizona, Damon is a cherished son of Daniel James Thompson and Shellie Watt Thompson.

Raised in Concho, he attended Concho Elementary and graduated from St. Johns High School in 2022. From an early age, Damon was drawn to service, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and hero in the fire service. He began his journey with the Concho Fire Department’s Junior Firefighter Program, where his leadership and passion were quickly evident, eventually leading him to oversee the program temporarily. Damon continued his education at Northland Pioneer College, earning his Firefighter I & II certifications. He served with unwavering dedication alongside the Concho Fire Department, Pinetop Fire Department, Snowflake/Taylor Fire Department, and Timber Mesa Fire.

As a certified EMT and mentor to aspiring young firefighters, Damon was admired not only for his skill and professionalism but also for his compassion and unwavering positivity.A man of many talents, Damon was a gifted musician who played guitar, piano, ukulele, and was learning the banjo. He also aspired to learn the bagpipes to play alongside his fellow firefighters. When he wasn’t serving his community, Damon could be found outdoors—camping, hiking, or exploring the forests near Green’s Peak. He cherished time spent woodcutting with his brothers and father, climbing trees, and building elaborate tree forts.

Damon was also a prankster, relentlessly teasing his siblings- especially his brothers Danny and Jaden. A rockhound at heart, Damon treasured the time he spent with his late grandfather, David Cyril Watt. Above all, Damon was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and fiancé. He lit up every room with his humor, gentle spirit, and boundless love for life. He adored taking his nieces and nephews on jeep rides and never missed an opportunity to tease them lovingly or share in their laughter. His loyal dog, Mia, was never far from his side. Damon’s final message to his father, shortly before his passing—a simple, heartfelt “Hi, just wanted to tell you I love you”—will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving parents, Daniel and Shellie Thompson; his siblings, Daniel (Gloria) Thompson, Ashton (Alex) Castruita, Sunnie (Justin) McCray, Jordana (Tanner) Meador, Jaden Thompson, and Adrian Thompson; his beautiful fiancée, Brianna Franklin; 16 nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Damon”; his grandmothers, Pauline Hamilton and Marcine Watt; and many extended family members, friends, and fellow firefighters.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, David Cyril Watt, his grandparents Joseph Blaine Thompson and Eula J. Thompson, and his uncles, Joseph D. Watt, and J. Rob Thompson.

Service Information

Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Show Low High School Auditorium, 500 W. Old Linden Road. A private graveside service will follow for Damon’s family and fellow firefighters.

Damon gave his life in the service of others—a true hero, whose courage, humility, and selflessness will never be forgotten. A special thank you to Timber Mesa Fire and Medical, especially C-Block (Damon’s crew) for their tireless service to the Thompson family. Also, to the entire community for the outpouring of love, donations, and meals provided to the Thompson family.

Procession Information

The procession will begin at 9:45 AM leading to the service.

Police Officer Darrin Reed was shot and killed after responding to a suspicious person call.

Officer Reed and other officers responded to a suspicions person call at a motel but were unable to locate the subject. They were called back to the location after leaving the initial call. When Officer Reed and other officers arrived, they located the man who then fled on foot. During the ensuing pursuit, the man produced a handgun and fired, striking Officer Reed.

Officer Reed was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his wounds.

The subject fled the scene and was later located in the Pinetop-Lakeside area, where he was barricaded in a cabin with a teenage hostage. After several hours of negotiation, the subject was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire.

Officer Reed was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He had served with the Show Low Police Department for 10 years and had previously served with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years. Officer Reed is survived by his wife and two children.