On April 20th, 2023, the Los Angeles Firefighters Association hosted the celebration of the 56th Annual Firefighter of The Year luncheon. Held at a new venue, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel bustled with excitement as friends, family, and well-wishers filled the spacious ballroom to pay tribute to this year’s recipient. The Los Angeles Firefighters Association (LAFFA) was formed in the first part of 1924 after the abolishment of what was then the Fire Department Union. The main purpose of the LAFFA has always been to be a liaison between the members and management to better the working conditions of the members of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). For decades, the Association has also recognized the outstanding performance and contributions of an individual Firefighter in the Los Angeles City Fire Department. The Firefighter of the Year Award is given to a Firefighter who has demonstrated exceptional bravery, commitment, and service to the community. For 2022, the Association and its members recognizes and honors Captain II Paul Egizi.
Captain Egizi joined the Fire Department on February 8, 1987 and has held the ranks of Paramedic, Apparatus Operator, Captain I and Captain II. He has also 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 Advisor for several years. He is a member of the LAFD’s Field Incident Management Team as Air Operations Branch Director. He has also 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.
One of Captain Egizi’s greatest areas of influence is derived from his passion for teaching, where his mantra is, “learning something and teaching something every day.” Paul 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 has been married to his wife Debbie for 34 years. He is the proud father of four adult daughters and “Papa” to his granddaughter Kira. His is also a beloved neighbor and friend as he lends a helping hand when and wherever he can. Captain Egizi is a member of the American Cancer Society and has participated in several “Relays for Life” events.
Paul loves to fix things. He always has a project going, whether it be welding, working on his classic truck or helping his girls with their homes or car repairs. He loves music, cooking and a good game of ping pong.
Those closest to him used words that included: friend, selfless, kind, caring, humble, patient, encouraging, approachable, mentor, professional and very deserving of this year’s Firefighter of the Year award.
Congratulations Paul for your long and dedicated service.
Written by Mark Khitikian