FIRE CHIEF REMEMBERED
Emotional memorial service praises integrity
Hundreds attend a memorial service for Buckeye Fire Chief Bob Costello at Christ’s Church of the Valley on Thursday.
“I hope you know what Chief did for our community.” Bill Stockley
Interim Buckeye fire chief
Buckeye’s fire chief was remembered for his life of service, integrity and lasting impact on those he encountered in a memorial service Thursday attended by hundreds of family members, friends, first responders and community members from across the state.
Bob Costello died April 8 from cardiac arrest months after contracting COVID-19.
Firefighters and police officers in two lines formed an entryway to Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria and saluted as Costello’s casket, draped with an American flag, was carried inside by uniformed members of the Honor Guard.
Costello’s family and friends followed the procession into the church, as the somber sound of bagpipes and drums played.
Costello had served as fire chief since 2008, after joining the southwest Valley city in 2004. Before that, he served as a firefighter, fire marshal and assistant fire chief.
Costello was described as a “fixture in the community” who made Buckeye a safer place and left big shoes to fill.
He was often praised as “forwardthinking” for a program to connect firefighters and hospital outpatients to provide assistance after residents were discharged.
Buckeye’s interim fire chief called on city leaders and first responders to continue Costello’s legacy of service and promised Costello’s wife and partner of 30 years, Wanell, that the Buckeye Fire Department would support her as Costello supported them.
Costello’s life described as ‘the gospel in action’
Costello’s aunt, Mary-Lou Gaillard, said the family had “hoped for a different outcome,” but imagined Costello was now watching them from heaven, enjoying the pipe and bag players from the ceremony.
Gaillard read a passage from the Bible in which Samuel was called by Lord multiple times to service.
Costello, too, was called by the Lord to serve, she said.
Gaillard was the first person to hold Costello after he was born and knew immediately he was special, she said.
He was a loving person who will be very missed, she added.
“Last week was his final call to serve the Lord,” Gaillard said.
Daniel Smith said he met Costello as a patient and always loved the “sparkle in his eye.”
Costello was not a big “organized religion guy” or a “brick-and-mortar follower,” but his life exemplified “the gospel in action,” Smith said, adding that he dedicated his life to helping people.
“You might even say he wore out his body serving others,” Smith said.
‘We needed so much more’
Costello’s brother, Michael, shared how difficult the past few months of Costello’s life were and how his final week belied how strong everyone knew him to be.
“How unfair of life,” he said. “We needed so much more.”
He shared some of his brother’s hobbies, including fixing up old cars and riding motorcycles on the beach.
Others also noted Costello’s boy-like enthusiasm and fascination with fast cars and toys throughout the service.
He was “like a kid in a candy store,” Costello’s long-time friend Daniel Matlick said.
Costello shared “blood, sweat and beers” while fixing up cars with several friends over the years, his brother told the audience.
Cars were a hobby Costello that bonded him with his father, Bill — a relationship many att the service described as strong and admirable.
Michael said their father and mother, Cammie, had set a high bar of achievement in the family but that Costello rose to the occasion.
Costello was a man people could count on to tell the truth, Michael said, which made him a great friend and mentor to many.
“I truly can’t remember him lying,” his brother said.
A mentor to many
Buckeye Police Officer and close friend to Costello Sam Favela said he came to view Costello as a father figure, despite their closeness in age.
Favela met Costello 15 years ago when Costello moved into the house across the street.
Favela, who grew emotional when remembering
“I’ll miss sharing a shot of ‘single malt scotch’ with Costello after saving a life or a tragic loss.”
Daniel Matlick
Long-time friend of Costello
his friend, said Costello “helped me grow and become a better person ... When he tells you, ‘If you need anything, call me,’ he means it.”
Even while navigating his own health battles, Costello checked up on people in the neighborhood, Favela said.
He looked forward to Costello’s wisdom and tidbits of knowledge and respected how fiercely Costello cared about his community.
Matlick also described Costello as an educator. Costello helped train fire departments across the state and cared about creating competent firefighters, Matlick said.
There wasn’t a single Arizona firefighter who hasn’t been affected by Costello either directly or indirectly, Matlick said.
“I’ll miss sharing a shot of ‘single malt scotch’ with Costello after saving a life or a tragic loss,” Matlick said.
Buckeye Fire Department commits to carrying on his legacy
Interim Buckeye Fire Chief Bill Stockley spoke directly to Wannell at the service, thanking her for sharing her husband with the city for so many years.
“I hope you know what Chief did for our community,” he said, adding that she had just gained about 100 firefighters as family members.
Stockley called on the city staff and first responders, whom he said deeply admired and supported the late chief, to remember Costello’s commitment to helping others, and to continue that legacy. He promised Wannell they would be there for her, as her husband had always been there for them.
The ceremony ended with a final bell ceremony, a tradition among firefighters to honor those who gave their lives to service. The final ringing of the bell symbolizes the completion of that service.
The final call over the church stereo system said, “Your duties are completed, Chief. We’ll take it from here.”
Those interested in helping the Costello family are encouraged to donate to the Buckeye Elks Lodge #2686, which has established a vocational scholarship in Costello’s name. Donations can be made through check, and “Bob Costello Vocational Scholarship” should be put on the memo line. They can be mailed to Buckeye Elks Lodge #2686. PO Box 326. Buckeye, AZ 85326.