City employee’s heroic act earns recognition

After their holiday-hiatus, Historic City News government reporters will be watching as the St. Augustine City Commission returns for their first meeting of the New Year tomorrow; beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Alcazar Room, on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street.

In addition to the other regularly scheduled business on the agenda, the Mayor will take a moment to recognize the heroic efforts of a Public Works Department employee who works at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on South Riberia Street.

City employee Adrian Paolini spotted a fire in the woods near the plant where a homeless camp was located 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.

“If it were not for the heroic efforts made by Adrian,” Arnold said, “the patient could have perished in the fire.”