The Park City Fire District community will memorialize the late Chief Paul Hewitt Thursday evening at the Eccles Center for the Performing Arts. Hewitt died last week after an off-road vehicle accident in Oregon.
Hewitt passed away last Friday after suffering serious injuries in an off-road vehicle accident while on family vacation in Oregon. He was 58 years old.
Deputy Chief Bob Zanetti told KPCW Hewitt was alone in the vehicle -- which was a rental -- at the time of the accident.
“He was airlifted to the hospital in Eugene, Oregon, where he received the best care he could get,” Zanetti said. “We did send Assistant Chief Pete Emory to Eugene shortly after the accident to help the family and I felt that was something we could do as the district and it certainly helped.”
Zanetti remembers Hewitt as an engaged and energetic leader of the fire district who had an affinity for Starbucks coffee and a work ethic that was second to none.
Thursday’s memorial service is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm at Park City High School’s Eccles Center for the Performing Arts. The fire district is putting together a program based on the family’s wishes. Zanetti said attendees should be prepared to wear a mask indoors and allow extra time, as many people are expected to attend the service.
“I would be prepared to wear a mask, bring your mask with you,” said Zanetti. “I think the Eccles holds 1,200 people, I wouldn’t be surprised. Parking is always a challenge, carpool. The Rotary has agreed to help us with some parking. It’s gonna be a nice memorial. It’s going to pay tribute to him and the dedication he had for his career and the fire service. I’m looking forward to it, I really am.”
As Deputy Chief, Zanetti is now leading the fire district. The Administrative Control Board of the Park City Fire District released a statement late Tuesday saying that thanks to Chief Hewitt’s leadership and succession planning, the board is “confident the Park City Fire District and its community is in good hands” under Zanetti’s leadership.
Zanetti said due to the contingency planning, the district is fully operational during the crucial summer fire season.
“The Deputy Chief is just that, he’s deputized to have the same authority as the fire chief, so there was really no step lost in there and any concern there,” he said. “It’s just a smooth transition -- the same authority like when Paul is out of town.”
Zanetti said he and the administrative board will address the appointment of a permanent successor to Chief Hewitt in the coming weeks.
The public is welcome at Thursday’s memorial service. More details on the program and directions to the Eccles Center can be found on the Park City Fire District’s social media pages.
