Summit Siren
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Thoughts from the Chief
One thoughtless moment…..One careless act. We spend time every year speaking and addressing the issue of always making sure your campfire is out. On
Father’s Day of this year we had a campfire that was not completely extinguished and it started a conflagration whose potential had always concerned us. The
Schultz Fire started around 11:15 on the morning of June 20th and the ramifications of that fire will be felt by many of us on the east side of the Peaks for many,
many years to come. We knew that once we had the fire completely controlled we would have to deal with flooding issues. Little did we initially understand
how dramatic an impact the flooding would have on our community. While visitors to Flagstaff come up from the Valley on I-17 and the people of Flagstaff
continue their lives without any sight of what the east side of the Peaks looks like, we now look at our beautiful mountain in a different way. The sight of the
mountain, while still very beautiful in its grandeur way, seems to be a bit out of place. Its looks as if nothing happened to it when it’s in the shadows of the early
evening but the next morning it reminds us again as to how one person or a small group of people can impact so many in a negative way. In the coming years the
slopes of the Peaks will take on a new appearance. There will be many new Aspen groves and the display we will see should be magnificent. Those changes
are years down the road however and in the meantime many of us have to deal with floods. They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and if that’s
the case, we truly have some of the strongest people anywhere. The type of flooding we have is completely different than that you’d find along the Mississippi
every four or five years. There are areas of our community that experience flooding now every time we have a ½” inch of rain. While there are new drainages
built and flows directed that carry much of the water once it’s partially through the neighborhoods, my heart goes out to those that are impacted every time it
rains. We have sent a letter to FEMA describing why they should look at the flooding issues differently than how they currently identify it. As it currently exists,
if there is a three day break in the flooding, it has to be identified as a new incident. We need to have FEMA representatives examine how that is not pertinent
to the type of flooding we have. Please take the time and write our representatives in Congress to see if they can help us address this.
We have put together a letter for anyone who is dealing with their insurance companies. While some insurance companies have had some movement in tying
in the fire with the flood and paying for damages, others still don’t recognize the connection. If you need a signed letter from me addressing the fact that none of
this flooding would have taken place without the fire, please call us and we will send you a copy or drop by our administrative offices at Station 32 on Koch
Field Road and we will provide it to you.
We have an election coming up for our fire board and I recommend that you come to know the candidates. In our organizational chart you, the community,
is located at the top. It is you who should drive what we do at Summit Fire. It has been my thought that people in our rural area should have the best possible
service we can provide for the best possible price. Operating a fire department that responds with Advanced
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Page 2 Summit Siren
Chief’s Thoughts (continued from Page 1)
Life Support personnel will never be cheap but we work hard to spend your tax dollars responsibly. One of the benefits of merging I feel is that it has helped us
to provide a higher level of service to more people. This year your tax to Summit Fire should have gone down if only slightly. Over the past 18 months we have
altered how we do some things. One example is we purchased two used fire engines for a total of $18,000. In comparison, our last new engine we bought two
and one half years ago cost us $428,000 to put into service. We think that these particular used engines will provide us some years of service through proper
maintenance, and our Emergency Vehicle Technician is talented and can help make this happen. We hope to build a new maintenance facility that will cost us
about the same as a new engine but will put off the need to purchase new engines for a longer period of time. If our equipment is dependable, I assure you we
have the qualified staff that can provide the service delivery you should expect. I am very proud to be the chief of such a talented group of firefighters. We have
also purchased a very dependable 75’ ladder truck for $1050. We couldn’t buy an 85 pickup for that price but we think it will provide a needed service as well
as generate income for the department if we are able to provide the fire and ems services for the Navajo Nation’s Twin Arrow Casino.
Over the years we have tried very hard to insure our department is community based. There are many of you who have lent a hand in one or more of our
many building projects. Many of you have taken advantage of our conference and meeting rooms. We know that in the coming years our department will be
tested significantly. While we have planned for the reduction of the assessed valuations due to the lowering of home values, the additional reduction of home
values due to the Schultz Fire and Flood will impact us even more. We will have to be creative in how we move forward. We will have to learn how to do more
with less and we are prepared to do that.
As we have grown and been able to provide a higher level of service, I am proud of what we have accomplished. During the fire and flood of 2010, I
attended a lot of meetings and you, our public, showed a tremendous amount of appreciation. The thoughtful appreciation means a lot to me and I know it is
meant for all of us at Summit Fire and I am proud to accept it on their behalf.
Our department has grown and changed so much over the years to try and provide a higher level of service to a larger number of people. As it turns out, this
has been my life’s work and I hope it’s better now than when I found it. I would personally like to thank all of you who have been so thoughtful to me and our
department(s). When I look back over the past years, the best part of this has been the people.
While these times are difficult for so many different reasons, I hope that all of us can find our glasses to be half full. I have loved our community from the day
I arrived here in 1978. My children were born and raised here amongst you. Almost all of us have chosen to live here and love to call it home. My wish is that
the overwhelming challenges of the past year will bring us closer together. If you need help don’t be afraid to ask your neighbor, church, county, friends or fire
department. We are all in this together and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Here’s wishing all of you the best the Holidays have to offer from all of us at Summit Fire.
Don Howard
Fire Chief
Flag Retiring Ceremony
Cub Scout Pack 142 will be retiring United States and Arizona flags on Thursday, November 18th at 6:30 pm at Cromer School. If you have a United
States or Arizona flag that has seen its better day, is tattered, torn or worn, please drop the flag by any of the Fire Stations to be properly retired. You are more
than welcome to come out and watch the flag retiring ceremony in the parking lot at Cromer School.
For more information, contact Bob Braatz at (928) 526-2209.
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Coconino County Updates
Supervisor Carl Taylor, District 1
Northern Arizona Economic Development and Workforce Training Center
A coalition of workforce training and economic development entities, led by the Coconino County Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI)
has commissioned a regional workforce demand survey in the northern tier of counties (Mohave, Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo and Apache), including all
incorporated communities, tribal governments and the major employers of the area. Based upon that (157 page) analysis, there is definitely a need for regional,
coordinated workforce training.
In addition, there is a cadre of organizations focused on economic development and workforce training who are interested in co-locating to provide
synergy, operational efficiency and improved service delivery. These include CAVIAT (the school technical training program), Coconino County Career
Center, SEDI and potentially the economic development arm of the City of Flagstaff .
The facility could facilitate the CREC program, a County program that has won national awards for training crews in trail building, forest thinning and related
skills. This program provides extensive services to the Forest Service, Park Service and other land managers. CREC could easily provide training for Native
American crews. Mohave County has indicated some interest in having space available in conjunction with direct delivery of training services requested by that
region.
Training services from the Center will be primarily provided by Coconino Community College. These services would be delivered locally as well as
remotely using electronic technology and staff placement. Services would be specifically geared toward matching job demand with workforce skills – resulting in
job creation and training efficiency. In addition, flex space will be provided for customized training for specific industries – who might provide their own trainers
or use those provided by the Center.
Native Americans will benefit from a housing voucher program for centralized training, as well as remote training delivery. In addition, space could be
available for tribal representatives who might need to do work or have a meeting in the Flagstaff area.
An existing 55,000 sq. foot facility owned by the Coconino Community College is being considered for renovation to provide flexible training space,
administrative offices, classrooms and other support space. The renovation will feature “green” improvements.
Funding for space and training programming – resulting in schematic architectural layouts and exterior improvements has been secured and that work should
begin soon. The product of the programming and design activity will be used for leveraging a major grant for the proposed improvements.
This project, when fully operational, will provide a completely operational facility serving a regional need and providing high quality employment and spurring
economic development in a number of related sectors, including business attraction and retention.
I will provide updates as the project moves forward.
Carl Taylor – (928) 679-7151
Friends and Family CPR Classes
CPR has been a proven tool that can save the life of someone experiencing a heart attack. The Summit Fire District conducts regularly scheduled CPR
classes.
The next Friends and Family CPR classes are scheduled for November 8th, January 10th and March 14th. Classes are from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Station
32 at 8905 North Koch Field Road.
For more information or to register for this class, contact Matt Gibbs at (928) 526-9537. Save a life today!
Please Note: This class is NOT for certification purposes.
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Coconino County Updates
Supervisor Liz Archuleta , District 2
Supervisor Mandy Metzger, District 4
Happy Fall to all of our Neighbors and Friends, here are a few dates to keep in mind and Save the Date for. . . .
Picnic in the Park: We have rescheduled our summer Picnic in the Park. Please mark your calendar to join us on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Peaks View Park on Koch Field Road for a fun filled day with your families. We will have door prizes, lunch and bounce
houses for the kids with a DJ. This is our way of closing out of this very hard summer to sit down, relax and enjoy a beautiful fall day.
County and Forest Service to Host Winter Preparedness Meetings and discuss Ridgeline to Rio Summit results: Coconino County and the
Coconino National Forest are hosting meetings for the residents of the flood area to provide residents with information concerning winter preparedness
and to share the results of the recent Ridgeline to Rio Summit. The meetings will include information from the County and National Weather Service
regarding how best to prepare for winter weather. In addition, a panel of Summit participants will present the results from the Summit. The Ridgeline to
Rio Summit involved experts in the fields of hydrology, soil science and civil engineering. This group was tasked with identifying potential flood mitigation
measures with the goal of reducing the impacts of flooding in the area.
Residents in the flood area will be receiving postcard announcements of the meetings. To accommodate the entire area, there will be three meetings. The
three meetings are:
Tuesday, October 26, 7:00 p.m. Cromer School at 7150 Silver Saddle Road – for the Doney Park area and part of the area just east of Highway 89.
Monday, November 1, 6:30 p.m. Location Being Confirmed Now – for part of the Timberline and Fernwood areas.
Wednesday, November 3, 6:30 p.m. Location Being Confirmed Now – for Rest of Timberline area and Wupatki Trails area.
Again, postcards will be mailed shortly with all the meeting details.
Doney Park Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held on Thursday, November 4, 6:30 pm at Cromer School at 7150 Silver Saddle Road.
One of the guest speakers in November will be Bonny Lynn, Coconino County Treasurer, who will be giving a summary of her annual report. This is
generally a monthly event that occurs on the first Thursday of every month. These meetings are co-hosted by Sheriff Bill Pribil and Supervisor Metzger.
They are a great time to get to know your neighbors and the County individuals who serve you, as well as to learn about issues that affect the area you
live in.
Timberline, Fernwood and Wuptaki Trails, Hutchinson Acres, Anassi Trails, and Black Bill Park Neighborhood Watch meeting is the first
Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Summit Fire Station #33 at 6050 Firehouse Lane, just off of Highway 89. However with November 2nd
being Election Day, we will be having our Neighborhood Watch on Tuesday, November 9th with great information. APS will be coming to discuss
their Solar Project and the County Assessor has been invited.
Supervisor Archuleta continues to keep office hours on the first Tuesday of every month, just before the meeting from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm for you to
come by early and have a few minutes of her time. No appointment is needed, just stop on by.
District 4 Coffees: Mandy holds a monthly coffee at Mary’s Café on the third Monday of each month, 7 am to 9 am. The next one is on
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(Coconino County Updates continued)
November 15th. People who live in the Doney area are invited to come in for good coffee and conversation.
Supervisor Liz Archuleta, 679-7152
Supervisor Mandy Metzger, 679-7154
Blood Drive
Summit Fire District is having a Blood Drive on Thursday, December 16th and Thursday, March 31st from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Summit Fire
Station 32 on 8905 North Koch Field Road.
Only one in twenty people regularly give blood. For every person in need of blood, the simple act of giving is heroic. Please be a Hero and give
blood!
To make an appointment, please call Joann at (928) 526-9537.
Frank W. Emry, former Fire Chief and one of the founding members of the Doney Park Fire Department passed
away on September 21st while undergoing dialysis treatment in Cottonwood. Frank was in the process of recovering
from open heart surgery which took place earlier in August. Frank Emry served as Doney Park Fire Chief from 1974
to 1978. All of us at Summit Fire would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Frank’s family for the years of
dedicated service to the community as well as the vision to take care of others.
Please go to the home page of our website at http://www.summitfiredepartment.org and click on Frank W. Emry to
see a special tribute written by his son, Rick.
Del Porter was a great friend to our fire department as well as a past board member, mentor and supporter. Del and
Mickey were clowns for years at all of our gatherings and Mickey is always sewing or making something for us to pass
out give to someone in need. Del passed away on September 24th and he will be greatly missed by all of
his friends at Summit Fire.
Time to Clean your Chimney
Now is the time of year to have your chimneys inspected and cleaned. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote
buildup or obstructions in the chimneys.
Each of the Summit Fire Stations have 3’ poles and 6” and 8” brushes to lend for cleaning your wood stove and chimney. Please call the station
before you go so we can make sure we have what you need.
Property Assessment
Every year homes, properties and lives are threatened by the risk of wildfire, that is why we at Summit Fire District are asking you to HELP US
HELP YOU!!!
Summit Fire District is offering free property inspections in order to determine the potential dangers of wildfire on your property and in our
neighborhood. After completion of a property inspection, we will discuss our recommendations with the property owner. Most of our recommendations
are based off of national standards developed by FireWise.
Go to our website to complete the Property Assessment form.
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Summit Fire Board Members
Chairman Jim Doskocil
Clerk Gary Selig
Member Dan Atkinson
Member Jerry Loynachan
Member Rick Parker
The Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. On the even months, the meetings are held at Station 32 and on the odd
months, meetings are held at Station 37.
Meeting Dates for Station 37
5500 N Fort Valley Road
November 16, 2010
January 18, 2011
March 15, 2011
Meeting Dates for Station 32
8905 North Koch Field Road
December 21, 2010
February 15, 2011
April 19, 2011
Notices and Agendas of such meetings will be posted at the following locations:
All five Summit Stations
Ski Lift Lodge, 6335 Highway 180
Mountain View Market, 6869 Lumberjack Blvd.
Silver Saddle Store, 9001 Highway 89
Chevron, 11230 Highway 89
Peak View Country Store, 3400 Fort Valley Rd.
The public and residents of the community are encouraged to attend. Meeting dates, times and location may change due to unforeseen
circumstances so please call the Administrative Office at 928-526-9537 if you have any questions or for more information, check our website at:
http://www.summitfiredepartment.org
Candidates for Summit Fire Board
There are three Summit Fire Board positions up for election on Tuesday, November 2nd. These positions are for a 4-year term and we have five
candidates running for the three Board positions. The candidates are: (in alphabetical order)
Dan Atkinson
Bernie Gazdzik
Jerry Loynachan
Rick Parker
Rick Turco
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, November 2nd.
Burn Permits
You are required to have a burn permit before burning any weeds, paper or branches. The burn permits are FREE and have no expiration for as
long as you own the property.
If you do not have a burn permit, please call before driving to the station to get your permit. You can get a permit at any of our five stations:
Station 31 6425 N. Cosnino Road 526-0344
Station 32 8905 N. Koch Field Road 526-9537
Station 33 6050 E. Firehouse Lane 526-1724
Station 36 8015 Wing Mountain 213-0935
Station 37 5500 N Fort Valley Road 213-5299
Please make sure you read your copy of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) rules and regulations for there are some things
that you are not allowed to burn such as plastic.
Burn times are:
9:00 am to 4:00 pm April through September
9:00 am to 3:00 pm October and March
10:00 am to 2:00 pm November through February
Please abide by the burning times and call Station 32 at (928) 526-9537 before you burn.
Please remember to change the batteries
in your Smoke Detectors!
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Page 7 Summit Siren
Summit Fire Website
Summit Fire has been working very hard to update our website. The website is taking on a new look and contains valuable information like:
* Weather Information with Rain Gauges and Radar so you can see the weather as it happens
* Chief’s Thoughts
* Property Assessment Forms
* Board Meeting Minutes and Budget Reports
* Flood and Fire Updates
* Honor Guard
* Santa’s Run Information and Stops
* and much more.
Go to: http://www.summitfiredepartment.org and let us know what you think of the new look.
Photos and Videos of the Schultz Fire and Flood
If anyone has photos or videos of either the fire or the flood that they would like to share, we would love to put together a compilation of what you have.
You can send them electronically by email to pmcclure@summitfiredepartment.org or just drop them off at any of our stations. We can scan your photos and
give them back to you. We’d like to post some of the photos on our website.
Firefighter of the Year
Randy Black was voted Firefighter of the Year by his peers at Summit Fire. Randy always looks to go beyond the call of duty to be the best he can be.
Randy started as a volunteer with us and is now a career firefighter on “B” Shift. This year Randy was on a vehicle fire and he made access into a burning
vehicle to pull the comatose victim out of the smoke and fire, saving the individual’s life. Great job Randy and congratulations on a well deserved honor. Randy
accepted his award that was given by the Mason’s of Northern Arizona at a banquet honoring all of the employees of the year for public safety agencies across
the Northland.
Santa’s Run
Santa is coming to the Summit Fire District on Saturday, December 4th. Please go to our website to check on times and stops for the Doney Park area
and the Fort Valley area.
Free Wood Chips
We have free wood chips at Station 36 located at 8015 Wing Mountain. Directions to the station: take Highway 180 past Snowbowl Road, turn left at
Bader and right at Wing Mountain.
Please call (928) 213-0935 first to make sure that the firefighters are there so they can direct you to the wood chips.
Spokesperson for Heart Screenings
By the age of 41, Summit firefighter Patrick Burns had 10 years of service under his helmet. Muscular and toned, he also served as the crew’s fitness
program coordinator, organizing workouts and healthy habits. Patrick was proud of his physical condition, and like most men his age, he figured he was too
young and in too good of shape to worry about a heart attack. Patrick had no idea his family history would work against him and he would rely on Flagstaff
Medical Center to save his life. Patrick had a full blown heart attack.
Since the heart attack, Patrick is now a spokesperson for Heart Screening. For fellow firefighters, Patrick has a special warning, “Heart attack is the
number one killer of firemen. You can’t just assume you are healthy; you need to do more than exercise and eat well; you need to be screened for heart disease
and risk factors.”
Since Patrick began spreading his message, two firefighters have had screenings and found heart trouble before it found them.
Have you had your Heart Screening? What are you waiting for?
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10th Annual Picnic in the Park
Hosted by Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta and
Mandy Metzger and Summit Fire
Saturday, October 30th
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Peak View Park
Come meet your friends and neighbors with a back drop of
fun games, great music and great food!
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