Crystal Dawn Rezzonico The family of the beautiful Crystal Dawn Rezzonico (née Arnold), 56, is heartbroken to bid a final farewell to our stunning, bold, courageous girl, who lived a full, vibrant, and meaningful life built on a deep sense of love and service to her family and the community. Crystal, a retired Captain with the Phoenix Fire Department passed away on February 18, 2017. The fire service was the center of Crystal's dazzling and multi-faceted life, and while her charisma, charm, and good nature built a generous extended work family, her greatest joy and proudest achievement was being the mother of her two sons, Cutter and Austin. Crystal, a fourth-generation Phoenix native, was born on June 20, 1960, the second of three daughters. Her sisters Jolynn Clow and Shelly Lane adored their middle sister. Crystal was always the pistol in the family. Her father nicknamed her "Bullet" because of her incredible pace in life. As a young girl Crystal attended Madison Vista, Madison #2, Squaw Peak Elementary, and graduated from Camelback High School in 1978. Bright and savvy, education came easy to Crystal. She was a straight A student without ever having to crack a book. Already a young mother by the time she decided to dedicate her life to the fire service, Crystal's competitive nature and exceptional personal diligence allowed her to succeed - openly and unapologetically - in a profession dominated by men. Her hard work, merit, and valor ensured Crystal was highly respected by her colleagues for her strength, professionalism, and dedication to duty. Crystal, always active and athletic, won multiple gold medals over the years in fitness and body building at the International Police and Fire Olympics, proudly representing the Phoenix Fire Department at competitions in Sydney, Australia, Calgary and New York. Travel was one of Crystal's great joys. At 18, she set off into the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula deep in the heart of Mexico. She did so with no money, no agenda, and nothing to stop her from seeking out adventure. With the inspiration of her time in Mexico firmly entrenched in her heart, Crystal sought out new experiences around the world. Her life was spent in search of the perfect beach, and that quest took her to places as near as Hawaii, California, and Mexico, and as distant as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Australia, and Tahiti. One of Crystal's great accomplishments is the one of a kind home she built. It was her pride and joy and was filled with mementos of those she loved. Stenciled in large yellow letter above her kitchen is the Latin phrase, "Fortis fortuna adiuvat," translated as "Fortune favors the brave". Fortune favored Crystal and blessed us with her magical presence for nearly eight more years after a tragic accident in 2009. On duty as a Captain and responding to an emergency in a fire engine with lights and sirens on, Crystal and her crew were hit at high speed by another car on August 10, 2009. A fighter, she returned to duty just over a year after the accident, bravely retaking her seat at the head of a fire engine. During her final years with Phoenix Fire, Crystal continued to contribute her knowledge, experience, and professionalism to the department and the community. Crystal retired on December 30, 2014, with 23 years of accomplished service during her tenure. Crystal's history with the Phoenix Fire Department is rich and meaningful. During her tenure on the department, she served as a Firefighter, Engineer, and Captain. Crystal was such an important role model to others that she was appointed as the first firefighter mentor at the Phoenix Regional Training Academy, which trains firefighters from around the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In addition, she was the first firefighter ever to be granted the responsibility to lead the department's recruitment efforts. Crystal had the right stuff and knew how to identify and assist others who would become great firefighters. She was instrumental in forming a first of its kind group, Rosie's Ladder, that was designed specifically to ensure that female fire candidates would be successful in the testing and training process. Crystal was truly a role model and inspiration. Crystal's work with our Phoenix Fire Fighters Association Local 493 brought added meaning to her life and assistance to the lives of others. It is a point of pride to mention that she was number one on the list in the Captain's promotional process. Not an easy ranking to attain. Another testament to Crystal's professionalism, self-discipline, and incredible dedication to perfecting her craft. Crystal is survived by her son's Cutter Pleasant and Austin Rezzonico, her mother Dicksie Patterson (Harris), her father Joe Arnold (Mitzi), her sisters Jolynn Clow and Shelly Lane, and her nieces and nephews. In this time of great sorrow, we look to Crystal's life for guidance. We find strength in her joy, we find hope in her bravery, and we find comfort in her love. Rest well, our beautiful, vivacious darling. Services for Captain Crystal Rezzonico will be Tuesday, February 28th 10:30 in the morning at Christ Church of the Valley 7007 W. Happy Valley Road in Peoria, Arizona. A procession to Greenwood Memorial Lawn 2300 W. Van Buren for internment will immediately follow the services. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, a donation be sent in Crystal's name to: United Phoenix Fire Charities/Cancer Fund, 61 E. Columbus Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012 Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.greenacresmortuary.net