Staff Reports | Community Updates
George Weisz, board chair of Scottsdale Community Bank, was recognized for his decades of public service during the 27th annual Behind the Flames fundraiser Sept. 27 in Scottsdale.
Mr. Weisz received a C.A.R.E. Award at the annual event, presented by HonorHealth and hosted at Mastro’s City Hall. The fundraiser honors community leaders while raising money to support firefighters, their families and local nonprofit organizations, according to a press release.
Over a public service career spanning more than four decades, Mr. Weisz worked alongside Arizona firefighters, helped advance legislation affecting firefighter retirement benefits and served as president of the 100 Club, which assists the families of firefighters and police officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
Mr. Weisz also served in the Arizona House of Representatives and as deputy chief of staff to former Arizona Gov. Jane Dee Hull. Earlier in his career, he worked as a special agent with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, where he investigated organized crime and helped oversee the investigation into the bombing death of Don Bolles, a reporter for The Arizona Republic.
The deaths of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots during the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013 underscored the importance of the 100 Club’s mission during Mr. Weisz’s tenure with the organization.
“I spent years on the Bolles case, and it’s something I’ve never forgotten,” Mr. Weisz said. “To have that work recognized nearly 50 years later is quite an honor, especially coming from Scottsdale Firefighter Charities. I have a great deal of respect for our firefighters and everything they do for Scottsdale.”
Today, Mr. Weisz serves as chair of the board of directors for Scottsdale Community Bank.
Mr. Weisz shared this year’s C.A.R.E. Award recognition with Dan Bickley, Arizona sports journalist and radio personality; Jeremy Duda, author of Murder in the Fourth Estate; and Melissa Schalles, executive director of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Association.
The event also recognized Rey Igliane as Scottsdale Firefighter of the Year. Jim Sharpe of KTAR News served as master of ceremonies.
This year’s Behind the Flames fundraiser raised more than $100,000, the highest total in the event’s history. Proceeds support firefighters and their families as well as organizations including the EVIT Foundation, Scottsdale Community Partners/Human Services, Scottsdale Food Bank, Jobs for America’s Graduates, the City of Scottsdale Youth Development program, Scottsdale Senior Center and Together Pink Network, according to a press release.
