YUMA, Arizona. – Retired YFD Fire Chief Phillip Cano and his family stopped by Station #5 on Thursday December 8, 2022.
Chief Cano saw his picture on the wall, and rode in the engine! Chief Cano served with the Yuma Fire Department from March of 1957 to September of 1989.
All the staff appreciated Chief Cano’s visit and his service to the community.
They said Chief Cano led by example. His style of leadership could have served as the basis for our City’s core values at the time: honesty, integrity, excellence, customer service, openness and teamwork, and forward thinking. Phil was instrumental in the development of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, and the reserve firefighter program. The initiation of the department’s first Certified Emergency Paramedics and Yuma County’s Enhanced 9-1-1 System were during his tenure as fire chief. During his 32 years of service with the Yuma Fire Department, Chief Cano exemplified the phrase “An Officer and a Gentleman.” YFD Fire Station #5 was dedicated in his honor in February of 1999. Thank you Chief Cano for your leadership and service!, said all.