We at the Vista Fire Department would like to thank Captain Philip Katz for his time served with the Vista Fire Department and wish him the best of luck as he moves to West Virginia.

Captain Philip Katz joined the Vista Fire Department in August 2013 accomplishing such feats as winning the 2013-2014 Vista Fire Department Rookie of the Year award, winning the 2014-2015 Vista Fire Department Firefighter of the Year award, served as a Foreman for Engine 141 from 2015-2016, served as Lead Foremen from 2016-2017, served as a Lieutenant from 2017-2020 and recently served as Captain from 2020-2022. Along with his other accomplishments in the Vista Fire Department, Captain Katz also served as our Vice President from 2018-2019 and President from 2019-2022. During Captain Katz's time as President and Vice President he oversaw the refresh of our Department by-laws, led our Tunnel to Towers Foundation Fundraiser in September, oversaw our 9/11 Memorial Service and helped migrate us to the Google G Suite platform now known as Google Workspace.

Captain Philip Katz was one of our most dependable members throughout his years of service, having an immense amount of passion, motivation and dedication towards the Vista Fire Department as he served the Vista Fire District community with great pride. Captain Katz regularly contributed as a top 15 responder and drill attendee, expanded our pre-plans program and helped develop our "Firefighter Skills Class" program that helps prepare our Firefighters to attend the New York State Firefighter I program and to help our Firefighters who have completed Firefighter I keep up with their skills.

While we will all selfishly miss Captain Katz around the Vista Firehouse, we wish him nothing but the best of luck with the next chapter of his life.

Thank you, Captain Katz!