A burning desire for service: BLM Utah fire employee recognized by Congressman for outstanding public service

The BLM Utah Fire family takes immense pride in commemorating the well-deserved recognition of an outstanding employee and an exemplary individual for their dedication and contributions to both the nation and the local community, underscored by their unwavering commitment to the United States of America. 

Anayanci Martinez-Hill's journey began in 1982 in the vibrant city of Guadalajara, Mexico. When she was a toddler, she embarked on a life-changing journey, immigrating to the United States with her parents. In 2000, when Anayanci was 17 years old, she and her family were granted US citizenship, made possible by the recently enacted Child Citizenship Act. Anayanci remains deeply grateful for this legislative decision. 

Her commitment to public service ignited when she joined the Forest Service, starting as a firefighter on an AD Type 2 hand crew in the Angeles National Forest. The next year, she accepted an apprenticeship job on an engine crew. Anayanci's journey through the Forest Service continued to unfold as she served on a Hotshot crew from 2004 to 2006, demonstrating her steadfast resolution to combating wildfires. 

In 2006, her career took a different turn as she worked as a dispatcher on the San Bernardino National Forest, skillfully coordinating resources and ensuring the safety of her fellow firefighters. Anayanci's expertise continued to evolve, and from 2015 to 2018, she worked as a dispatcher at the Southern California Geographic Coordination Center in Riverside, California, specializing in fire intelligence gathering and aircraft dispatching. Her knowledge and skill in managing fire-related intelligence were instrumental in keeping fire crews safe and informed. 

In 2018, Anayanci joined the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an initial attack dispatcher at the Northern Utah Interagency Dispatch Center. Her responsibilities included coordinating rapid responses to wildfires, a vital role in protecting Utah's landscapes and communities. Her dedication didn't go unnoticed, and in 2022, she was appointed Assistant Center Manager, showcasing her leadership qualities and commitment to her role. 

In 2023, Anayanci's journey led her to the position of Assistant Intel Manager at the Great Basin Coordination Center where she works today. Her work now extended to a broader geographical scale, where she continued to excel in ensuring that resources were strategically deployed to combat wildfires across the Great Basin region. 

But Anayanci's commitment has not been limited to her work in the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. She had also dedicated significant time to community service, serving as an Emergency Medical Technician from 2003 to 2020 and volunteering as a firefighter in Elk Ridge City, UT from 2019 to 2023, embodying the spirit of public service in every aspect of her life. 

It was this extraordinary journey, notable for its unyielding determination and a persistent faithfulness to public service, that caught the attention of Congressman Burgess Owens at the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Congressional Recognition Ceremony. Anayanci Martinez-Hill's story was not just a testament to the American dream but also a shining example of the immense contributions immigrants make to their adopted homeland. Her tireless efforts in protecting the environment and her community were celebrated as she received well-deserved recognition for her remarkable career and her commitment to the United States of America. 

Please join BLM Utah in congratulating Anayanci – a remarkable person of recognized character who we are honored to call a member of our community.