Firefighters from across the Valley and State of Arizona, with representation from NYFD and Chicago Fire Department, gathered here Saturday, July 6, to pay their last respects in a memorial service for Fountain Hills Fire Chief Scott LaGreca.

Chief LaGreca passed away June 15 following a battle with cancer.

The service included military honors, since LaGreca was a Vietnam veteran who saw active duty, along with traditional firefighter farewells, including a “last call” on the dispatch radio.

A drum and bagpipe corps from Pima County performed “Amazing Grace” as a departing honor.

Chief LaGreca’s sons remembered him as a “real life superhero” who built his family on a foundation of strength and love.

“He will forever be missed, but he will continue to live within us all,” son Jason said.

Son Brian LaGreca read a letter he had written to his dad a week before his death.

“I will always love and respect you and I will strive to be half the father you were for me,” Brian said.

Speaking on behalf of the Fountain Hills crew chiefs, Interim Asst. Chief Capt. Todd Brunin said, “We are all graduates of the ‘University of LaGreca.’

“We are fortunate to have served with him, he was our boss, a staunch ally, excellent role model and a voice of reason.

“He fostered an environment and culture of service to the community. His legacy will continue to live on.”

An emotional Mayor Linda Kavanagh praised LaGreca for bringing his credentials to this small town after his 25 years with Chicago Fire Department.

“His knowledge and experience made Fountain Hills a safer community,” Kavanagh said. “He developed a fire department as capable as Chicago, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for all he has done for us.”

It was Ron Hagen, a former Army buddy of Chief LaGreca’s, that relayed a story few people had ever heard before.

Being a humble man, LaGreca was not one to discuss his heroics in battle.

Hagen told of how Sgt. LaGreca’s proficiency as a forward observer saved their lives as they were wounded and pinned down by the enemy only yards away. His pinpoint directions to artillery units cleared out the enemy and LaGreca, Hagen and a third man were removed from the battlefield and survived.

Chief LaGreca and his family moved to Fountain Hills where he served in the Rural/Metro Fire Department for 17 years. He had been active in the VFW and Kiwanis Club.

He is survived by his wife, Christine; sons Sean (wife Eli) of Chicago, Brian of Phoenix and Jason (wife Charlotte) of Mayer, Ariz.; his parents James and Barbara of Wonder Lake, Ill.; sister, Susan LaGreca of Wonder Lake, Ill.; brothers, Anthony of Pontiac, Ill. and David of Georgetown, Texas. He was preceded in death by a grandchild, C.J., and is survived by four other grandchildren, Jaden, Jessica, Madison and James.