Bonita Springs firefighter killed in hunting accident

Reporter: Ashley Edlund
Published: Updated:

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – Capt. Paul Phillips was set to retire from firefighting at the end of the month.

Phillips had served with the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District for 11 years.

“We had his retirement party Friday,” deputy chief Frank Giuliano said. “He had just bought an RV. He was going to enjoy retirement.”

Phillips was on a hunting trip with his son on Sunday when he was killed after falling 30 feet from a tree stand.

“He trained everyone that responds to emergencies, how to treat people with love and compassion, how to be professional, how to be experts in their field. That’s what he meant to the fire service,” chief Joseph Daigle said.

Firefighters said they are now rallying around the family.

“The fire department family is taking care of them right now and we’re going to do whatever is needed, but just pray for the family,” Giuliano said.

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