Chief Phillip Averett Whitney of Springville‚ Utah‚ died at home on October 28‚ 2009‚ after responding to a call.

In 1977‚ Phil joined the Springville Fire Department as a volunteer fireman‚ and after much dedication and training‚ he became Springville’s first full-time fire chief in 1985. Additionally‚ in 1997 he was placed in charge of the Springville Ambulance. He served passionately in this capacity until his death. Under his leadership‚ the Springville Fire Department became a modernly equipped team of professionals. Phil played a pivotal role in the completion of two new fire stations in Springville. He received numerous awards and recognitions‚ including National Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year.

He was appointed by Governor Leavitt to the Utah Fire Prevention Board in 1997‚ and in 2008 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Intermountain Utah Valley Emergency Services. But his proudest accomplishment was to provide the training and skills necessary to ensure the men and women he worked with remained safe. In over 24 years as fire chief and thousands of fires and emergency responses‚ the men and women of the Springville Fire Department and ambulance crew were always able to effectively fulfill their duties and then return safely to their homes and families.

Phil Whitney lived a life of service to God‚ to his family‚ to his country‚ and to his community.