Paul Egizi: Firefighter of the Year

Firefighters Association honors Capt. II Paul Egizi.

Capt. II Paul Egizi

LAFD Capt. II Paul Egizi was named Firefighter of the Year (2022) by the LA City Firefighters Association (LAFFA) for his professional accomplishments last year.

A luncheon honoring Capt. Egizi took place April 20 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

Capt. Egizi has 36 years of City service.

Paul joined the LAFD in February 1987 and has held the ranks of Paramedic, Firefighter, Apparatus Operator, Captain I and Captain II. In addition to serving in Fire Stations throughout all areas of the City, he has worked in special duty assignments at the training academy as the Drill Master and at Air Operations as the Assistant Section Commander.

Wanting to contribute even more to the City and his community, Paul served as an Explorer Adviser for several years. He is a member of the LAFD’s Field Incident Management Team as Air Operations Branch Director. He has been involved in various projects and committees, including the Elevator Rescue Kit, Air Operations, Operational Risk Management, Brush Committee, Recruitment, and has participated on several Serious Incident Review Teams.

From left: Capt. II Paul Egizi is awarded by LAFFA President James Dolan.

One of Paul’s greatest areas of influence comes from his passion for teaching, where his mantra is “learn something and teach something every day.” He has been involved in Department seminars, writing training bulletins and teaching classes for both the Department and the State of California certification system. His greatest joy comes from teaching and mentoring at the individual and Fire Station level.

Off duty, Paul is a dedicated family man. He and his wife Debbie have been married for 34 years. He is the proud father of four adult daughters and “Papa” to his granddaughter Kira. He is also a beloved neighbor and friend as he lends a helping hand when and wherever he can. Paul is a member of the American Cancer Society and has participated in several Relays for Life. In 2018, he was a bone marrow donor. Over the years, Paul has been involved with Firefighters for Christ, coaching sports and has attended Cornerstone Church.

Capt. Egizi embodies the Department’s core values of service, professionalism, integrity, respect, innovation and trust. The LAFD and the City of Los Angeles Firefighters Association are proud to recognize Capt. II Paul Egizi as the 2022 Firefighter of the Year.

The Club congratulates Capt. Egizi on this big honor.

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