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Mesa: Chief Cameli Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from AZ Fire Chiefs Association

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~ Mesa Fire and Medical Chief Mary Cameli was recently recognized for her outstanding contributions to the fire service as she received the prestigious 2026 Bob Weber Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA). The award, presented at the AFCA's annual conference, is a testament to Chief Cameli's dedication and hard work in creating a professional and forward-thinking department that has been nationally recognized for its innovation and excellence.

Throughout her career, Chief Cameli has championed numerous initiatives at the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, including implementing cancer prevention measures such as screenings and scans for eligible staff. She also spearheaded the establishment of in-house ambulance services and various pilot programs aimed at expanding community care. Her commitment to constantly improving services has been evident in every aspect of her work.

As Chief, she adopted the department's mission statement: To serve with CARE - Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. This motto has been ingrained in every member of the department under her leadership.

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Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the award, Chief Cameli said, "I am humbled and honored to receive the Chief Bob Weber Lifetime Achievement Award. Chief Weber's legacy is well known, so to be honored with an award that recognizes those who have dedicated their careers to serving their community is truly an honor." With her retirement approaching, she reflected on her career with pride and looked forward to seeing how the fire service will continue to progress in the years to come.

Chief Cameli began her journey in 1983 when she became one of the first two women firefighters hired by the City of Mesa. She worked tirelessly over the years and advanced through every rank before being appointed as Fire Chief in November 2016. Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed by those who have worked alongside her.

Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman praised Chief Cameli's achievements saying, "Chief Mary Cameli's Lifetime Achievement Award is a well-deserved recognition of a remarkable career dedicated to protecting others. Having served alongside firefighters like Mary, I know firsthand the commitment, integrity, and leadership it takes to earn the respect of your peers over a lifetime of service." He also thanked her for her contributions in shaping the next generation of firefighters in Arizona.

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In addition to her role as Fire Chief, Chief Cameli is also actively involved in various organizations. She is the Past President of AFCA and currently serves on the board. She is also the Chair of the International Fire Service Training Association Board and a board member of the International Center for Public Safety Excellence, where she previously served as president for three years. Outside of work, she continues to make a positive impact in her community by serving as a Past Chair of the Child Crisis Arizona Board and being a 16-year member and past president of Mesa Sunrise Rotary.

Chief Cameli joins two other esteemed Mesa fire officials who have been honored with the AFCA's Bob Weber Lifetime Achievement Award - retired Mesa Fire Chief Dennis Compton and retired Mesa Fire Captain Bryan Jeffries. The award is named after retired fire chief Bob Weber, who was not only a Past President of AFCA but also served as its Executive Director.

The entire community joins in congratulating Chief Mary Cameli on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for dedicating her life to making our communities safer. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the fire service.

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