State honors Roswell fire marshal

Roswell Fire Marshal Paul Piccirilli has been named the state fire official of the year.

The Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office gives the award to a public fire official who best demonstrates leadership by improving fire and emergency medical services.

Piccirilli became the city fire marshal in October 2004. He oversaw the installation of 700 "Knox Boxes," which are wall-mounted safes that hold building keys for firefighters and EMTs to retrieve in emergencies. He also coordinated the GPS identification of all fire hydrants.

Piccirilli was honored Monday night at the city council meeting. When given a chance to address the audience, he urged them to be careful with Christmas candles and lights during the holiday season.