Paul Cimino Talks Wildfire Safety, Reflects on 40-year Career

In our second episode of season 2, longtime Sierra Vista Fire Marshal Paul Cimino reminds us how to keep our properties and community safe from wildfires. As the City’s longest tenured employee, Paul also reflects on his 40 years working for Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services. Paul will retire later this year and it was a joy to discuss some of the highlights of his time working for the City. Podcast host Adam Curtis joins Paul in recalling the Monument Fire in 2011. That crisis reminds us all why it is vital to be fire safe, especially during Sierra Vista’s windy and dry spring season. It also brought out the best in our community and demonstrated how Sierra Vistans have each other’s backs when it matters most.

Highlights: 

• How can homeowners protect their property from fire hazards and wildfires? (1:51)

• Why you should have an evacuation plan. (5:18)

• Reminder of local laws pertaining to fireworks and common sense safety. (7:09)

• Discussing the Monument Fire, the efforts to control it, and more. (11:03)

• Some of Paul's most memorable moments as a fire safety professional. (24:38) 

• Paul talks about his 40 years supporting the department's Christmas Toy Drive.  (28:47)

• What kept Paul in Sierra Vista's Fire Department for so many years? (34:60)

Local citizens are encouraged to join the conversation by asking questions, offering comments, and suggesting future topics. To share your thoughts, email Pod@SierraVistaAZ.gov.