Adrian Paolini honored for heroic efforts

At Monday night’s meeting of the St. Augustine City Commission, Historic City News reporters watched as City employee Adrian Paolini was recognized for his heroic efforts in rescuing a homeless man from a fire.

Fire Chief Mike Arnold said, but for the efforts or Paolini “the patient could have perished”.

The commission took time at the beginning of their meeting to recognize the Public Works Department employee who works at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on South Riberia Street.

Paolini spotted a fire in the area of a homeless camp in the woods near the plant on December 29th. Paolini reported the fire to E-911 dispatchers and took quick action which likely saved the life of a homeless person.

The entire contents of the camp, including tents, clothing, and personal belongings, were all destroyed by the flames.

Fire Chief Mike Arnold said when firefighters and emergency rescue personnel arrived; they found that Paolini had pulled the homeless man from the fire.

Chief Arnold said the victim was taken to Flagler Hospital for severe alcohol intoxication.