The city of Buckeye announced last week that Bob Costello, chief of Buckeye’s Fire and Medical Rescue Department, had died.

Chief Costello joined the city in 2004 and became Fire Chief in 2008. Throughout his career, he achieved recognition for various awards and innovative programs, including the implementation of the Community Paramedicine Program, in coordination with Banner Estrella Medical Center. 

Other awards and achievements include:

• Serving on the state’s Emergency Medical Services Council from 2001 to 2004, and from 2016 to his last appointment by Gov. Doug Ducey in 2020.
• Healthcare Hero Award, Phoenix Business Journal, August 2019
• Exemplary Service to Humanity by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, Februar 2019
• Dr. Paul Johnson Award presented by Abrazo West Campus in May 2016
• Buckeye Heroism Award from the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2016

Chief Costello also served as a member of the Patient Family Advisory Council at Banner Estrella Medical Center. He was instrumental in constructing multiple fire stations for the department to ensure the best service possible for residents. 

In 2010, Chief Costello and his department took over operation and maintenance of the Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery. He is responsible for the success of the recent expansion of the cemetery, including the Adopt-A-Bench and Adopt-A-Tree programs, giving families different methods to honor and memorialize their loved ones. 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Costello was instrumental in providing updates to the city’s executive team and ensuring the city followed CDC guidelines as well as state and local ordinances and policies. 

The hard work and outstanding efforts of Chief Costello will have positive impacts on Buckeye for years to come. Chief Costello leaves behind a wife and brother. 

More details regarding arrangements will be released when they are finalized. The city requests you respect the privacy of his family, his department and the entire city until then.