City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
WHEREAS, William Alvin Newton honorably served the City of Santa Maria as a dedicated firefighter for seven years with the Santa Maria Fire Department (SMFD); and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Newton was known for his bravery, professionalism, and commitment to protecting the lives and property of the residents of Santa Maria; and WHEREAS, on April 25, 1970, at the age of 35, Firefighter Newton made the ultimate sacrifice while battling the Bradley Hotel Fire, a large and dangerous blaze that engulfed a vacant wooden structure scheduled for demolition; and
WHEREAS, while directing water onto the flames from atop a retaining wall adjac ent to the structure, Firefighter Newton was tragically pulled into the fire when the building collapsed; and WHEREAS, Firefighter Newton’s heroism and selflessness reflect the highest ideals of public service, and his loss was deeply felt by his fellow fi refighters, the City of Santa Maria, and most profoundly by his loving wife and three children; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the City of Santa Maria honor Firefighter Newton’s legacy, courage, and sacrifice by designating April 25, 2025, in his memory.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria, do hereby recognize April 25, 2025, as:
“WILLIAM ALVIN NEWTON DAY”
in the City of Santa Maria.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 15th day of April 2025.
Alice M. Patino, Mayor