Austin Macias honored by Chamber of Commerce as Firefighter of the Quarter
May 18, 2016
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The Chamber of Commerce honored a Santa Paula Fire Captain known for consistently going beyond the call of duty at the May Sunrise Santa Paula!
City Councilmembers Ginger Gherardi and Jim Tovias were among those that attended the breakfast meeting, held at Flight 126 Café.
Fire Chief Rick Araiza introduced Firefighter of the Quarter Captain Austin Macias noting the Santa Paula native started with the SPFD 20 years ago.
Said Araiza, “Austin joined the department in 1996…it makes me feel that much older that I knew him even before then when he had the best job as a kid. He was our busboy,” at the family’s La Cabana Restaurant.
“At that time I was the assistant chief and Austin expressed an interest in becoming a firefighter…he was a great worker,” at the restaurant and as a firefighter.
Macias’ innate ability for the fire service soon became apparent: “He moved up the line receiving promotion after promotion to finally becoming an acting captain for the past two years and I’m working on making him a full-time captain.
“He’s done such a tremendous job,” not only as fire staff said Araiza but also as President of the Santa Paula Firefighters Association that raises money for various nonprofits especially those benefiting youth.
“Austin is responsible for the money and puts together the fundraisers…”
On duty Macias “Runs the station, runs the crew, he does an excellent job…I always know the station and crew are in good hands on Austin’s shift.”
The Fire Captain, said Araiza, “Comes from a family of service…his dad Richard Macias is retired from SCE and is also a Santa Paula Police Community Service Officer and Austin’s brother Allen is a SPPD Sr. Officer and K-9 Handler.”
Macias received a certificate and a gift certificate from Chamber Board Chairman Zahid Shad and Chamber President-CEO Fred Robinson.
When asked for comment Teresa Macias said her husband “is everything to me and our family…he’s such a hard worker and loves the City of Santa Paula. I cannot be prouder; Austin is a wonderful father,” to the couple’s two children, and she added, “I could not ask for anyone better.”
