TOWN:Aid center honors city's fire chief

If there's one thing firefighters are always prepared for, it's getting into the heat of the action. Burbank Temporary Aid Center officials gave more than 300 Burbank residents that same chance Friday evening as they staged a hot evening of festivities to honor Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini at the fourth annual Burbank Top Award for Citizenship fundraiser at The Castaway.

Having joined the Burbank Fire Department in 1979, Pansini was pinned with the city's top firefighter badge in January 2006. During Friday's event, he was lauded for his long and dedicated service to the department and commitment to the community at large.

From his service on the local board of the Boy Scouts of America to being a "Red Card" team member who can be dispatched on a moment's notice to fight wildfires throughout the Western United States, Pansini was presented with tributes and commendations from Assemblyman Paul Krikorian, state Sen. Jack Scott, Rep. Adam Schiff, County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

"Our community is blessed to have individuals like Tracy Pansini who serve us day in and day out," said Burbank Mayor Todd Campbell as he arrived escorting Chrissy Carney. "When I think of leadership and team players, Chief Pansini's name is one of the first that comes to my mind."

Pansini was accompanied to the event by his wife, Dana, daughter, Krista, son, Chad, and family members including Matt Wagner and Greg and Laura Ward.

Prior to the main event, attendees perused silent auction and raffle items that were donated by more than 150 local businesses and individuals.

Among those spotted enjoying the evening were Burbank City Manager Mary Alvord and Assistant City Manager Mike Flad, along with city officials and dedicated members of the community, including Park, Recreation and Community Services Director Eric Hansen, City Atty. Dennis Barlow and his wife, Annelle, Pat and Dave Augustine, Adrin Nazarian, Penny Forbes, Brian and Linda Bowman, Lucy Burgdorf, City Clerk Margarita Campos and her husband, Vince.