PHOENIX — Buckeye Fire Chief Bob Costello died at the age of 62 on Thursday from cardiac arrest due to complications of COVID-19, the city said Monday.
“Chief Costello was a true visionary for Buckeye,” Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn said in a press release. “His quiet, comforting personality made him a friend to everyone he met. He was one of the most genuine people on earth and truly cared about others and the community.
Costello joined the city in 2004 and became Fire Chief in 2008, being recognized for various awards and innovative programs throughout his career including the implementation of the Community Paramedicine Program in coordination with Banner Estrella Medical Center.
“The entire city of Buckeye is grieving over the loss of Chief Costello,” Buckeye City Manager Roger Klingler said in the release. “His innovation and ability to implement forward thinking programs like the Community Paramedicine and Treat and Refer programs were true assets to the city, the department and especially our residents. He will truly be missed.
”He also received the Buckeye Heroism Award from the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Dr. Paul Johnson Award presented by Abrazo West Campus in 2016, along with the Healthcare Hero Award from the Phoenix Business Journal in 2019.