Metro Phoenix first responders share fond stories ahead of Father’s Day

PHOENIX — Phoenix Police Detective Luis Samudio has dedicated the last 22 years of his life to law enforcement. The past three years he has shared policing Valley streets with his daughter Amanda, a detective for the Glendale Police Department.

Raised around first responders, Amanda watched her family give back to the community and decided to continue the legacy.

As the daughter of police officer, she described her career choice as “eye-opening” while getting a glimpse of what her father has endured throughout his life and career.

It’s also because she is one the few women on the force.

“Obviously as a father, I’m very proud of Amanda, but there’s also that little hesitation when it comes to the dangers of the job and the things that can occur,” Luis Samudio said.

“But you know I tell everybody she’s quite the spitfire, she’s always been a go-getter and very self-motivated to reach the point where she’s at.”

Surprised with his daughter’s career choice, Luis Samudio believes her heart was always dedicated to serve the community and that doesn’t surprise him one bit.

During their shared years of service, the father-daughter detective duo have bonded over the badge. Including shared 911 calls for service and ride-alongs with one another.

Amanda joked about always being a rookie officer in her family and one time early in her career when her dad joined her on patrol — indicating it may not happen again.

“He came and road with me very early on it was like riding along with a field training officer,” Amanda added. “He was very protective and not that it was a bad experience but it was like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re on the road together!’”

Despite working in different cities, the Samudio family’s connection is evident as they have promised to communicate with one another in the event of any serious situation happening in their patrol areas.

It’s a similar situation for Phoenix Fire Capt. Mike Adelman, who works alongside his son Anthony at Fire Station 18.

With the captain leading fire engine 18, his son has completed his required ambulance hours at his dad’s station.

Anthony Adelman described being 4 years olds and spending time at his dad’s fire station.

“Being able to be exposed to the life style and I was spending Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays at the fire station, so I knew what I was getting myself into,” Anthony Adelman said.

While the fire station is considered their home away from home, the Adelmans ensure work doesn’t impact their personal lives and no matter who you are inside the station, you’re family.

“Whether it’s on the fire calls, the emergency medical calls, and the lessons I share not only with my biological son, but I’m probably the oldest guy in the battalion they’re all my sons and daughters – that’s how I look at it,” Capt. Adelman said.

He went on to say that the top resource within the department is their membership, implying they take care of one another – whether they’re actually related or not.

The father-son firefighters describe their service together as unique and memorable.

“The fact that I can tell my dad – see you at work in the morning, people kind of think it’s weird at the same time,” firefighter Adelman said.

“I see him every third day, we spend family time together and are able to have our own work relationship too which I think is really cool.”

Fire stations are staffed 24/7 and 365 days a year and crews appreciate being able to spend those holidays together.

Especially this Father’s Day, as firefighter Adelman will officially complete his required time on the ambulance and say goodbye to the station Sunday.

Grateful to have shared a variety of unique experiences together responding to 911 calls together, Anthony said, “Without being too cheesy, he’s the best dad on Earth and the fact that I get to finish here on Sunday – Father’s Day, is pretty cool coincidental timing.”

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