Backlighted water from the hose of a Tucson Fire Department firefighter McKenney, TPD Engine 5.

My first shot of the Milky Way, long on my bucket list, was an impromptu event as I passed through Death Valley. I used a bottle to hold the camera as I had no tripod with me and experimented with the exposures. This was one of my favorite days of the year as I drove my newly gifted 4Runner and began a new era of road trips and exploration. (Check out https://nightskypix.com/what-is-the-milky-way/ for a ton of info about the Milky Way and how to photograph it!)

Firefighter Josh Taylor / Three Points Fire District moves in quickly to attack a car fire.

Dr. Erman, Banner University Medical Center Otolaryngology Dept. performs a neck tumor surgery.

Elinor the giraffe having a close conversation with her trainer at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson.

Glendale Police Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed by LEA Architects. The installation was funded by the City of Glendale Public Arts Program!

Majestic lone saguaro in Sabino Canyon, Tucson. As Sabino is right in my backyard I spent countless hours hiking the trails as well as training for my Wildland firefighter Red Card.

The coolest thing about this image is that Erin is only the second female Tucson Police Department SWAT operator in the history of the department!

Payette River, Idaho. Congratulations to Eric Deguil for his winning Boater X. Eric is the first athlete to win a North Fork Championship event multiple times and is the current 3 x Boater X Champion!

Amazing that I was first one on the scene of a car fire along I-10 this year. I called 911 and immediately pulled out my camera (of course.) The Guadalupe Fire Department made short work of putting out the flames!

During a photo shoot for Alpine Artisan Studios at Santan Village I encountered this little girl in an elf costume visiting Santa who was perfect for what we were trying to capture!

Stallion rearing during Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at the West World Equidome. This shot was also chosen by Arabian Horse Times Magazine as a feature image in the publication.

Glendale Fire Department firefighter puts out a car fire during training at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center.

The Tucson Police Department SWAT team has always been a favorite of mine.

One of the reasons I love riding with the U.S. Marshals Service is the intense nature of pursuing those bad guys who are doing everything they can not to be found! West Valley U.S. Marshal Deputies take away a suspect after capturing him at a home in Phoenix.

Scottsdale Fire Department Technical Rescue Team member rappels during a training session at Pinnacle Peak Park.

During my many hikes I came to be familiar with several Gila Monsters in Sabino Canyon in the Catalina Mountains. This one crossing the newly asphalted road made a great image.

I learned so much during my first dove hunt guided by LunaRita Outfitters An essential part of bird hunting is the trained dogs that retrieve the downed game. Luna brings home the game.

Deputy U.S. Marshal exits the lead vehicle while on protection detail for U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.

Bugler / Officer Bernard (Bernie) Lo Baido played a moving Taps last night at the Tucson Police Department Peace Officer Memorial. It was especially poignant because this was Officer Lo Baido's final performance for TPD as he retires from the force.

During a trip to San Diego I had the opportunity to ride with the San Diego Harbor Police. These tug boats are official boats used to tow sea vessels into dock that have either failed or been seized.

Comic Con San Diego 2015 was also occurring during a trip to San Diego with the U.S. Marshals Service. As the convention ended the buildings had to be stripped of the giant advertising image films that had been adhered to the structures.

Dr. Chang, Banner University Medical Center in the surgical operating room.

Tucson Police Department traffic officer examines a shoe from a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Multiple people were struck and miraculously all survived!

Its hard to bury a brother. Officers of the Marine Corps Police, Arizona Department of Public Safety and Tucson Police Department​ carry the draped casket of TPD Ofc. Isaac Rosario in services at St. Augustine Cathedral.

Peter Ott, Banner University Medical Center surgeon, and Attorney Sarah Showard got married this year! I have had the privilege of photographing these two for a couple of years now. This wedding photo was taken at the Walker Ranch in Sonoita, AZ.

Tucson Police Department Motors Division in perfect formation during the annual TPD Memorial.

There were two methods used by Tucson Fire Department to ignite the grasses in the Sweetwater Wetlands. One was with propane torches. A firefighter torches the grasses in a prescribed burn to prevent the grasses from later becoming a wild fire.

Retired U.S. Marshals Service Deputy and firearms instructor Cary Bunker under the old U.S. Marshals sign at Old Tucson.

Tucson Fire Department Firefighter Thomas Chadwick against the intense flames of the Sweetwater Wetlands prescribed burn.

Although not an amazing image in itself, this photo means so much to me. My dear friend Xavier DuBois had just gifted me this 4Runner that I named Traveler. This was our first road trip bringing Traveler home to Tucson from his old home in California.

Tucson Fire Department (Station 20) Capt. Tony Gonzales with a halligan tool and FF/PM Eric Vail.

Debra Milke spent 22 years on death row, convicted of conspiring with two other men to kill her son allegedly for an insurance payout. In March 2015 a judge ruled that the Arizona woman is innocent and dismissed all charges against her. This makes Milke only the second woman exonerated from death row in the United States. Debra talks about the searing loss she experienced by having her son murdered. "Being falsely accused of a crime you did not commit is also a devastating tragedy. Try to imagine that as some of you sit in judgement of me." (From CNN report.)

I was extremely honored to ride in the last medic truck of "Big Joe" Nilson as his good friends and fellow Tucson Fire Department's firefighters (L) Billy Eyrich and (R) Bryce Neva escorted the urn to the funeral services.

Glendale Fire Department firefighters putting out live fire in a burn tower at Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center.

Very excited this year that Cashel Co. featured this shot I did of these two bad-ass friends of mine, Rebecca Waite and Char Cee, CC Tactics, on the Cashel Facebook Page. I have been using Cashel bags for years to carry my cameras when I'm shooting ranches and trail rides.

Tucson Fire Department Honor Guard fold the American Flag to give to the widow of "Big Joe" Nilson.

Tucson Fire Department firefighters in heavily soiled turnouts finishing up at the scene of a house fire.

My dear friend Donna and I spending a chilly day at Lake Tahoe.

911 Operators are often the overlooked essential part of a fire service. This is a very stressful job and we owe mountains of gratitude for the work they do. Tucson Fire Department.

I love the burned structure wall in the background of this image with water droplets streaming down and a tiny rainbow in the lower right corner. Tucson Fire Department.

Surfers at sundown - Carlsbad Beach, near San Diego, CA.

Rolling hose after a fire at Abrams Airborne. (L-R) Tucson Fire Department FF's Gianna Garry and Rick Martinez and Capt. Tony Gonzales.

I always love my time with these two people. Sister Helen Prejean, nun, author of Dead Man Walking and staunch abolitionist with Magdaleno Rose Avila, Director of Witness to Innocence. Len and I met many years ago when he was western Regional Director for Amnesty International and he had me producing events for the organization. The impact these two have had in the human rights community is immeasurable.

The moment just before I kinda sorta pee my pants just a little! No matter how many times I am involved in training exercises, there is always that moment that makes my heart skip a beat ~ when an officer bursts into a room, looking for combatants, and has no idea I am hiding in the shadows. Glendale Police Department.

There is nothing like monsoon season in Arizona where the thunderstorms roll in and lightning crashes. This shot is from Skyline Country Club overlooking Tucson.

Tucson Fire Department firefighters attend to a fire in the middle of the night in Tucson.

Tucson Police Department officers salute as the casket of TPD Officer Isaac Rosario arrives in the hearse during funeral services.

I just love this portrait of a modern cowboy - Dave Daiss, Associate Publisher for one of my favorite publications - True West Magazine. Dave is also a rancher in the area, producing grass-fed Angus beef at Sonoita Grasslands Custom Beef. The pitchfork was Dave's idea and what a great one it was!

A band of beautiful wild mustangs that has lived free along the Salt River in Arizona was threatened to be gathered and destroyed so we took a canoe and decided to see them first hand this summer.

Glendale Police Department SWAT training in a shoot house. A rare image of muzzle flash and the capture of the left over powder burning off from the spent casing at the same time.

Sunset is my favorite time to hike in Sabino Canyon. The Catalina Mountains are filled with groves of Saguaro cactus.

Member of the Glendale Fire Department Technical Rescue Team (TRT) evaluating an underground tunnel during confined space training.

Finley Scott Geare - more than ready to take a little dunk in the holy water at his Baptism at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Tucson.

A lineup of Tucson Fire Department firefighters salute the arrival of TFD FF/ PM "Big Joe" Nilson's burial urn.

Glendale Police Department SWAT team members preparing to protect the University of Phoenix Stadium during Super Bowl XLIX.

Dr. Erman, Otolaryngology Dept., Banner University Medical Center / Tucson, performs a neck tumor surgery.

I was shooting the Ordonez family and we first had everyone in civilian clothes. Then daddy Dominic, who works for Tohono O'Odham Fire Department, put his firefighting gear on for the second set. He put his helmet on just as his wife Cristan handed him their daughter Rylie. Rylie burst into huge tears because she had no idea who the man in the helmet was who was holding her! She was beside herself crying! Dominic quickly removed his helmet, spoke to her and finally Rylie began to calm down. But for a few minutes he had to continue reassuring her as she looked and looked him over closely to be sure that he was, in fact, her Daddy! You can see just how closely she is examining his face here. And still with tear stained cheeks.

Something about this photo just intrigues me photographically.

One of the places I love to spend time is the Elkhorn Ranch, AZ. Mary Taylor Miller overlooks the ranch, located in the Altar Valley, which her husband's family has owned for three generations.

Glendale Fire Department firefighter calling out commands during a training session with water tender.

The University of Phoenix Stadium area lit up during Super Bowl XLIX.

My third year on the Mesquite Trail Ride I captured the spirit of the annual event by photographing my friends Rich Johnson (one of the co-founders of the ride) and Jamie Jameson. Always love me some cowboys!!

All hands needed for Northwest Fire / Rescue Department on the scene of a traffic fatality along I-10 in Tucson.

A couple of weeks before Jim Bacon passed I was honored to spend the day with my friend, his daughter, Teresa moving her dad to her brother's home for his final days. Of course I brought my camera and captured some very tender moments with him and his family and this one of him in contemplation.

Groom Tyler Fenton and his groomsmen ready for the wedding at Hotel Palomar Phoenix.

Glendale Fire Department firefighter uses the circular saw during an extrication drill. It is overwhelming sometimes to realize the myriad of skills firefighters must use in the execution of their job.

Proud papa Joe King, King's Anvil Ranch, AZ. with his new baby girl Evelyn Linda King. It is always such a joy to watch a family grow as I have been photographing Joe and Sarah King since their engagement!

What having a bad day looks like. Glendale Police Department jail.

Glendale Police Department sniper officer keeps an eye on the University of Phoenix Stadium during Super Bowl XLIX.

Proof that growth can happen in any environment.

Glendale Police Department Officer processing the release of a arrestee in the jail at University of Phoenix Stadium during Super Bowl XLIX.

The inside of University of Phoenix Stadium during Super Bowl XLIX at the beginning of Katie Perry's halftime show.

Sabino Creek with rocks below water and golden trees reflected in surface of water. Sabino Canyon. The park is one of my favored places and is practically my back yard.

Glendale Fire Department firefighter explodes a window during extrication training.

Derek and his father Steven Gillis having fun in Sabino Canyon!

Casket with police badge on the corner, of former Glendale Police Department officer Jeff Steele during his funeral services. After retiring from GPD he worked as a pilot assigned to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office Aviation program. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?pid=173805215#sthash.p0ar1hij.dpufJeff was killed on New Years Eve when the helicopter he was piloting crashed outside of Benson, AZ. Jeff left this earth doing what he loved: flying aircraft and being a law enforcement officer.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Tyler and Emily Fenton kiss outside the Hotel Palomar Phoenix.

Monsoon season in Sabino Canyon as I trained hard for my wildland firefighter Red Card certification. The mix of rain, rolling thunder, blankets of dust and the sun going down can be a magical combination.

Precision driving by the Motors Division, Glendale Police Department.

My trusty Chihuahua companion, Diego, always has one eye on his momma!

Glendale Fire Department firefighter / Medic Dan Brown, also a member of the Glendale Police SWAT team, evaluates a patient during a mass casualty training that included moulage techniques replicating real injuries.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and the Panamint Mountain Range, Death Valley, CA.

HALO medic loading patient in the medical transport helicopter during training session at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center.

Nandi, the baby elephant, was born to Semba on August 20, 2014 at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson. She was 245 pounds at birth!

Scottsdale Fire Department FF/PM Jeremy Reed directs the ladder truck engineer into position.

Pretty much self explanatory! John Furrier smokes a cigar at the wedding of his sister Emily to Tyler Fenton at the Hotel Palomar Phoenix.

David Henkler leads a trail ride through the Altar Valley at the Elkhorn Ranch, AZ.

My friend Amy Harrison gets a farewell lick from their beloved family member Easton, an American Bulldog and Wired Haired Jack Russell mix, on his final day. I was so moved to be able to capture such a poignant moment and sorrowful moment in their lives.

Capturing the spent shell casing ejecting from the rifle during my first dove hunt led by guide Kelly Kirby, LunaRita Outfitters.

Firefighter at Davis Monthan Air Force Base wears a silver bunker suit because of the extreme heat from fuels during a potential aircraft fire.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley, CA put into perspective with Italian tourists in the foreground wandering among the sandy hills.

Firefighter Thomas Chadwick and his new fiancee' Stephanie Spenser. I love the way he looks so strong and she looks so tender.

In 2015 I had the opportunity to meet many of the friends in Boise, ID who supported my friend Patrick and I around the liver transplant. Being a living liver donor has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. While there my new friend, writer Jessica Murri, who penned an award winning article about our journey invited me to go kayaking on the Payette River.

Justin O'Brien holds the flag he received from the Navy in honor of his father during services at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix for my friend William Howard O'Brien.

A Gambel's Quail chick ended up inside my home one day. Following a chase I finally waited outside to catch the miniature bird coming out of the doorway when he (or she) finally found their way out.

Capt. Dave Azuelo, recently retired from Tucson Police Department, and his children in their uniforms. (L-R) Son-in-Law Alejandra Serrano, US Air Force; daughter Brittany Serrano,US Air Force; son Brandon, Texas PD and Ryan, Tucson PD.

2015 was a big year for hiking in Sabino Canyon as I prepared for my wild land firefighting certification Red Card.

Glendale Fire Department during confined space training in underground tunnels at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center.

A road through the desolate Death Valley. I love a road trip no matter where it leads! I camped by myself, which I do often, and explored one of the National Parks that I had never been to before. It was grand!