Late Goodyear firefighter named department’s ‘Firefighter of the Year’

PHOENIX — The Goodyear Fire Department’s annual awards banquet last week was a very emotional one.

The department named late firefighter Austin Peck as their Firefighter of the Year on Thursday night.

The award was accepted by his parents.

“It’s hard and it’s so emotional… it’s very, very bitter sweet,” Marie Peck, Austin’s mother, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

“But we wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Peck died last fall after a nearly four-year battle against cancer, which he contracted as a result of his work as a fireman.

The 35-year-old had served as a fireman for 11 years and is survived by his widow and two young daughters.

However, the Goodyear Fire Department wants to make sure Peck’s memory lives on for many years to come.

“What we would like to do going forward is name it: “The Austin Peck Firefighter of the Year award,” Goodyear Fire Chief Paul Luizzi told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

The Chief described the banquet as a celebration but also a time to reflect on what they went through last year.

“For losing our first firefighter… it’s a challenge for any size department, but we are a small department and the loss of one person is felt through the whole organization,” Luizzi added.

“It was good for us all to get back together and celebrate and remember Austin, talk about him, and recognize him in a way that will be remembered for many more years to come.”

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