REFERENCE TITLE: Bob Costello; death resolution

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

HR 2015

Introduced by

Representative Osborne

A RESOLUTION

on the death of chief robert t. "bob" Costello.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Chief Robert T. "Bob" Costello, longtime member of the Buckeye Fire Department, passed away suddenly on April 8, 2021 at the age of sixty-two.

Bob was born on January 25, 1959.  Bob's parents, Bill and Cammie, set a high bar of achievement for their children, a challenge Bob handled with aplomb throughout his life. After starting his career as a firefighter with Rural Metro, Bob became a certified patrolman with the Peoria Police Department.  He then joined the Arizona State Fire Marshal's Office where he held several positions during his sixteen years there, most notably as its fire training director.  For thirty years, he drove to rural locations across Arizona to provide training to members of volunteer fire departments.

In 2004, Bob Costello began his work with the City of Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department, which he continued to serve in various capacities until his death. He was appointed fire chief of the department in 2008, and it was under his direction that the department achieved the remarkable growth and modernization that make it the model of fire safety service it is today. Showing Bob's dynamism and strength of character, during an economic downturn the department began operating and maintaining the Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery. Demonstrating the forethought and care that were hallmarks of his life, Bob spearheaded a recent expansion and programs to allow families to honor their loved ones. A true visionary, Chief Costello also was instrumental in establishing the Buckeye Fire Paramedicine Program, for which he gained national recognition and local esteem since its inception. Additionally, throughout his long career, Chief Costello achieved recognition and multiple awards for his committed efforts to public safety in his state and community, including the Buckeye Heroism Award and induction into the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame.

Despite the demands of his work as fire chief, Bob Costello gave freely of his time, energy and expertise to various worthwhile professional organizations. Chief Costello served on the state's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council from 2001 through 2004 and was again appointed in 2016, with his last reappointment in July 2020 for another two-year term. Through the growth of Buckeye, Bob formed partnerships with Banner Estrella Medical Center and worked tirelessly as a member of the Patient Advisory Council. Additionally, Chief Costello was a certified trainer and recognized leader at six Arizona community colleges for more than twenty years.

A friend and mentor to many, the hard work and innovative efforts of Chief Costello will have positive impacts on Buckeye for years to come.  He will be greatly missed by his wife of thirty years, Wanell, his brother, Michael, his many colleagues in the firefighting profession and the grateful citizens of the Buckeye community and the State of Arizona.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives express their deepest condolences on the death of Chief Bob Costello.