Fullerton Fire Chief Dies After Battling Cancer

Fullerton Fire Chief Stephen P. Magliocco died late Saturday afternoon at his Anaheim home after a brief struggle against cancer of the kidneys.

Magliocco underwent surgery at UCI Medical Center on April 27 to have a large tumor removed from his abdomen. After a few weeks of recuperation, he returned to work part-time, but his condition worsened and he retired last month to concentrate his energy on fighting the cancer.

Fullerton Mayor F. Richard Jones called Magliocco’s death a great loss to the city.

“Chief Magliocco was a dynamic person and an outstanding fire chief,” Jones said. “He was progressive and worked hard so that Fullerton’s citizens and businesses receive the best fire service possible. He will truly be missed by everyone in the city family.”

Magliocco came to Fullerton in December 1995 from the Vallejo Fire Department, where he also had been chief.

Among his accomplishments in Fullerton were creation of a paramedic unit for cardiac emergencies and completion of a master plan that assessed future community fire service needs.

Magliocco also was heavily involved in community activities. He was president of the Fullerton South Rotary Club and served on the board of directors of the Fullerton Boys and Girls Club.

Magliocco enjoyed cooking and frequently offered his services as a chef as prizes in fund-raising raffles for local nonprofit organizations.

He died less than two weeks before his 51st birthday, with his wife, Vicki, and sons, Tony and Stephen, at his side.

Funeral arrangements are pending.