As a SWAT team closed in on a home, photographer Roni Ziemba captured the tension. Through her camera lens, Ziemba documented the team's dedication to protecting the community.
Her photo exhibit, titled "Stronger Than Steel," is set to run this week.
It is in honor of Heroes Day and a community dedication to the first responders of the Jan. 8 shooting.
"The University Medical Center and I wanted to honor the men and women who put themselves on the front line," Ziemba said.
Ziemba has been shooting photos in Tucson for six years and was asked by UMC to take photos of Northwest and Tucson firefighters, Tucson police, Pima County sheriff's deputies and Dr. Peter Rhee, UMC chief of trauma.
"This is the first year they (UMC) wanted to do it and I had six weeks to shoot everything," said Ziemba. "It was a really great experience."
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Ziemba said that capturing the images changed her understanding of the first responders' preparedness.
"Their work takes its toll physically and psychologically," Ziemba said.
Capt. Adam Goldberg of Northwest Fire said the public will appreciate the exhibit because it gives an understanding of the dedication the firefighters put in along with their efforts, personally and professionally.
"The public generally has an understanding of what we do," said Goldberg. "But there's more to it on a personal side. All of us here are like a second family."
"We really wanted to help people understand what it takes to be in their shoes," Ziemba said. "Heroes downplay their job because it's second nature to them. It's amazingly impressive."
All of the proceeds from the show will benefit UMC's Trauma Center.
"The photographer did a great job and this fundraiser will be a great opportunity," said Goldberg. "Anyone could be a victim of a traumatic event. The Trauma Center is something they need in their lives."
The heroes
Three local emergency first responders will receive the "Hero of the Year" award for their work in Southern Arizona at the fourth annual Heroes Day.
Heroes Day is a volunteer effort supported by local businesses and presented by Jack Furrier Tire & Auto Care in partnership with the UMC Foundation. The effort started in 2008 to honor fallen Tucson Police Officer Erik Hite. Anyone wishing to thank the first responders can stop by a Jack Furrier location and sign a card or deliver their own.
The recipients will be awarded at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, at La Encantada shopping center, 2905 E. Skyline Drive.
Donations will be accepted at the event to benefit the UMC Trauma Center, the only Level 1 trauma center in Southern Arizona.
A firefighter, a sheriff's deputy and a state police officer will be recognized, said Crystal Kasnoff, a University Medical Center representative.
They are:
• Tyler Menke, a Tucson Fire Department firefighter, said he appreciates the honor and the support from the community but the five-year veteran said the award goes to all the other firefighters who work hard every day. On July 28, 2010, Menke carried a helicopter crash victim from the burning aircraft. Although the victim later died, Menke's quick response allowed the man's family to say goodbye.
• Nicole Crawson, a deputy with the Pima County Sheriff's Department for the past five years, rescued a family after their car was struck by a fleeing robbery suspect on April 1. She will receive the award Thursday in the company of her friends and family, Crawson said.
• Dan Gutierrez, an officer with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, will receive the award for rescuing an abducted infant from an armed suspect on Oct. 13.
The 21-year veteran works for the Child Predator Apprehension Team and emphasized that he "wasn't alone on this and the team deserves recognition, as well as the U.S. marshals" who worked with him on the rescue.
If you go
• What: "Stronger Than Steel" photo exhibit
• When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
• Where: Former Bluepoint restaurant at La Encantada
• Admission: Free; donations accepted
• Donations: Text the word "hero" to 41518 to donate $10 to the UMC Trauma Center
Jessica Canchola is a University of Arizona student who is an apprentice at the Star. Contact her at 573-4117.
