10/18/2026
It is with true, profound sadness that we find ourselves sharing the passing of recently retired Battalion Chief Paul Oltrogge with the Flagstaff Fire Department.
Paul began his career with the Flagstaff Fire Department in September 2008 and went on to lead their Wildfire Management Division beginning in July 2020. His passion for the fire service, his leadership, and his dedication to the wildland fire community left a lasting impact not only on our department, but across Arizona and the nation.
When Paul first interviewed to become a Flagstaff firefighter, he said he had wanted this job because he cared about helping people, and wanted to do that in the most sincere way possible.
He spent his career proving just how much he meant those words.
Paul was more than a Battalion Chief. He was a mentor, a friend, husband, son, dog-lover, and someone who genuinely cared about the people around him. He was deeply respected, incredibly loved, and his absence will be felt by so many.
Our hearts are with Paul’s wife Maraka, his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.
Rest easy, Chief. Thank you for everything.
