Paul Michael Sanders

With profound sadness, we share the passing of our beloved partner, son, brother, and friend, Paul Michael Sanders, age 36, of Flagstaff, Arizona, who died unexpectedly at his home on August 22, 2025.

Paul was born on April 12, 1989, in Phoenix, Arizona, the youngest of three boys. He grew up in Flagstaff, graduating from Coconino High School in 2007 and Northern Arizona University in 2012. Later, he obtained his paramedic certification and earned a master's degree in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University.

From a young age, Paul was drawn to service. He worked summers for the U.S. Forest Service before joining the Flagstaff Fire Department in 2012. Over 13 years, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the department and the community it serves. He taught CPR, instructed firefighting courses at Coconino Community College, trained fellow FFD members in extrication techniques, and led the annual MDA Fill the Boot fundraiser for several years. Through hard work, mentorship, and steadfast integrity, Paul rose to the rank of Captain in 2021, earning the trust and admiration of his fellow firefighters.

Beyond his career, Paul lived a life of passion and kindness and was a true servant leader. He was a gifted athlete in his youth and an outdoorsman throughout his life, happiest when hunting, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, or fishing. He loved to travel, and after the earthquake in Haiti, he volunteered on construction projects to help rebuild lives and homes. On one memorable Mexico hunting trip, Paul and his friends rescued three unwanted puppies, including Macho, who became Paul's loyal companion.

Paul also built a family life that he cherished deeply. With the support of his parents and firefighter brothers, he constructed the home he shared with his life partner, Erin, and her sons, Evan and Wes, whom he proudly embraced as his own. He was a devoted godfather to Kayson Roberts and a loving uncle to his niece and nephew, Maya and Luca Sanders.

Known for his warmth and generosity, Paul never met a stranger. His charismatic smile, firm handshake, playful sense of humor, and eagerness to lend a hand made an impression on everyone he encountered. His legacy is one of service, dedication, and selfless love for others.

Paul is survived by his partner, Erin Munn, and her sons, Evan and Wesley (Bertelsen); his mother and stepfather, Janice and Kelly (Reber); his brothers, Ben and Joseph (Sanders); his niece and nephew, Maya and Luca (Sanders); and stepsiblings Michelle (Bueler), Celeste (Palmer), Travis, Brad, and Tyler (Reber). Paul was preceded in death by his father, Michael Sanders.

A celebration of Paul's life and service to the Flagstaff Fire Department and community will be held on Monday, September 29, from 4–6 p.m. at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park, 250 Garrison Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86005.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Paul's honor to support Erin, Evan, and Wes through GoFundMe, or to the Local 1505 Non-Profit Charities Benevolent Fund, which assists firefighters and their families in times of need. A scholarship in Paul's name will be established to continue his legacy of service and mentorship.

Paul will be remembered always for his selflessness, leadership, infectious laugh, and the countless lives he touched. Godspeed, Sandman!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-capt-paul-sanders-by-supporting-erin-wes-evan

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