Butch Zaragoza

Alberto C. "Butch" Zaragoza, Jr (born c. 1946) was chief of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department from 1998 to 2008 and Mayor of Vestavia Hills for two terms, from 2008 to 2016.

In 1999 Zaragoza was appointed to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission by Governor Don Siegelman.

Prior to running for mayor in 2008, Zaragoza served for 39 years with the Vestavia Hills Fire Department, including 10 years as fire chief. He retired from the department in June 2008 in order to run for mayor. He was succeeded as fire chief by Jim St John.

Incumbent Mayor Scotty McCallum did not run in the 2008 election. Zaragoza's only opponent, Dan Calloway, dropped out of the race on July 17, 2008. Zaragoza was sworn in on November 3.

Zaragoza was re-elected in 2012, but lost to challenger Ashley Curry in the 2016 election.

Zaragoza was later appointed to the Jefferson County Community Service Committee.

Preceded by: Scotty McCallum

Mayor of Vestavia Hills 2008–2016

Succeeded by: Ashley Curry

References

• Singleton, III, William C. (June 2, 2008) "James St. John to lead Vestavia Hills Fire Department as chief." The Birmingham News
• Singleton, III, William C. (July 17, 2008) "Zaragoza will be mayor of Vestavia Hills." The Birmingham News
• Singleton, III, William C. (July 18, 2008) "Zaragoza primed for mayoral post in Vestavia Hills as lone rival exits race." The Birmingham News
• Singleton, III, William C. (May 6, 2011) "Vestavia mayor reassures Cahaba Heights on recovery." The Birmingham News