At last night’s city council meeting, Cathedral City reached another milestone with the retirement of Fire Chief Paul Wilson. Mayor John Aguilar praised Chief Wilson who has served our great city with honor, respect, and professionalism for the last five years. He played an instrumental role in bringing our fire department up to the standards we enjoy today with three personnel on each fire apparatus, the fastest response time in the Coachella Valley for ambulance services, and the building of the new Fire Station 411 in downtown.
Under Chief Wilson’s leadership, along with the help of a SAFER grant and new revenue from the cannabis industry, 15 new firefighters had been added for greater public safety during his tenure. These new firefighters are top rated and very well trained to meet the needs of our community.
Mayor Aguilar stated, “I would be remissed, if I didn’t thank you for not only your service to Cathedral City Fire Department, but also to the greater community with your participation in the many festivals and non-profit functions.”
The Council showed a video that detailed Chief Wilson’s involvement including a segment that was intended to be played at the State of the City postponed since March 17, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes a fun segment where you get to see him dance in celebration of the new fire station.
Councilmembers Mark Carnevale and Ernesto Gutierrez presented Chief Wilson and his wife, Pam, with two recognition gifts from Councilmember Rita Lamb and the City as a whole.
Mayor Aguilar made these final remarks, “It is going to be difficult for our city to find someone with your qualifications and giving nature. We may fill your position, but we will never replace you.”
Fire Chief Wilson plans to return to Cathedral City for the grand opening of the new Fire Station 411 that should occur this fall. Until then, he and his wife will live in Mesa, Arizona to be closer to family.
Additionally, the city council introduced former Palm Springs Fire Chief Blake Goetz as the interim fire chief to serve until Cathedral City selects its next fire chief after a national search.
