For Immediate Release
Kimberly Drabik
623-773-7934 office
623-773-7294 fax
kimberly.drabik@peoriaaz.gov



Peoria Fire Department Battalion Chief Neil Ashton Retires

May 1, 2008 -- Peoria, AZ – Battalion Chief Neil Ashton retires after 24 years of dedicated 
service to the Peoria Fire Department.  Neil Ashton was hired in 1984 and has successfully 
competed and promoted among the ranks from firefighter to paramedic, to Engineer, to Captain 
and to Battalion Chief. Neil was one of the first paramedics to serve on the Peoria Fire 
Department and was in the first group to be certified by the state. Throughout Neil’s career, he 
served as a Recruit Training Officer at the Phoenix Regional Training Academy, an Adjunct 
Faculty Member at Glendale Community College teaching the Firefighter I & II programs as 
well as assisting with many other departmental projects when needed.  Additionally, Neil served 
as a flight medic with Air Evac for several years and participated on the Member Services 
Committee through the Labor Management Steering Committee.  On a personal note, Neil is 
very dedicated to his wife Patty of 24 years and his two daughters, Nolie and Melissa.  Neil is an 
avid motorcyclist, enjoys snow skiing and taking vacations with his family. Neil’s last day with 
Battalion 191 (A shift) was April 30, 2008.  Neil has served the Peoria Fire Department 
throughout his career with strength, honor and compassion.  The Peoria Fire Department is 
extremely proud and grateful to have had such a dedicated member on the department for 24 
years and we wish him much happiness in his retirement.  Neil will truly be missed .

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Serving with: Strength · Honor · Compassion