Any accolades heaped upon Fire Chief Scott LaGreca in the coming days and weeks are certainly deserved.

Chief LaGreca was the consummate “firefighter guy” along with being an outstanding citizen, civic volunteer and all-around nice guy.

Even though Chief LaGreca came from the big-city department of Chicago, he quickly learned the unique aspects of the fire service in the Sonoran Desert and the quirky workings of Fountain Hills. LaGreca also was able to rise above the politics of working for the private company of Rural/Metro, dealing with the now-defunct Fountain Hills Fire District and maintaining a positive relationship with the Town of Fountain Hills.

All the men and women who worked under Chief LaGreca in Fountain Hills and elsewhere always had great respect for the leader. He knows not only the technical aspects of preventing and fighting fires, he also has top-notch “people skills” and could always relate to administrators, firefighters, your average citizens and so forth.

Chief LaGreca was always professional and truly loved working in Fountain Hills, serving the people and protecting them in emergencies – medical calls, vehicle accidents, house fires, etc.

He is battling some health issues, and we certainly wish the chief the best as he continues that fight. You have given much to Fountain Hills, chief, and we are better off because of it.