Sierra Vista’s “home grown” Randy Redmond has been named Fire Chief of the Year by the Arizona Fire Chief’s Association.

Redmond earned the esteemed recognition through dogged pursuit of long term goals and ongoing efforts to increase funding for firefighter training. Other highlights of Redmond’s career include coordinating a statewide mutual aid agreement to allow fire agencies across the state to work closely together, as well as spearheading a consolidation effort with Fry Fire District to better serve the greater Sierra Vista community.

“The community can be very proud to have someone of Randy’s caliber serving as our fire chief, says Chuck Potucek, Sierra Vista city manager. “The fact that Randy is ‘home grown’ shows the professionalism that is embodied within our fire service right here in Sierra Vista.”

Redmond, a resident of Sierra Vista for over 40 years, started his career in the fire service as a reserve firefighter with the City of Sierra Vista in 1982. He later spent 12 years with Fry Fire District before rejoining the Sierra Vista Fire Department as fire captain in 1997, advancing through the ranks to Fire Chief in 2008.

“When you are Chief of an organization there is so much that needs to be done, but when you give of your time to help many others from all over the state, that says so much more about the character behind the badge,” said Mary Cameli, president of the Arizona Fire Chief’s Association, “and Randy has displayed this dedication year in and year out.”

“We are so thankful for all that he does for some many firefighters across the state of Arizona,” she adds.

“It’s an honor to be awarded this recognition,” Redmond says. “I’m privileged to work with many professionals in the fire services and it’s really about supporting each other and supporting our communities.”

AFCA’s mission is to serve chief fire officers by providing leadership through involvement; professional development through networking, education and information distribution; and a forum to improve fire services of Arizona. Visit www.azfirechiefs.com for more information on AFCA.