It’s been a pretty crazy year for Jayson Coil.
The longtime Sedona Fire District firefighter has worn several hats this year including that of interim assistant fire chief and interim fire chief — both at the same time. But on Tuesday, Oct. 15, he was officially sworn in as assistant chief during a badge pinning ceremony during SFD’s Governing Board meeting.
“Since April 2018 the needs of the Sedona Fire District have led my career in some new and challenging directions,” he said after the meeting. “For eight months I was moved up to the role of assistant chief then when the fire chief chose to seek employment elsewhere, I had the opportunity to fill the responsibilities of both the fire chief and assistant chief. This unique opportunity was challenging and required me to modify my personal and professional goals.
“While challenging, and probably not sustainable in the long term, I was successful in the role. Thanks to the collective expertise within Sedona Fire, the candid advice of my mentors, and the support of my wife, Christie, I am confident I improved SFD’s ability to perform our mission. As the assistant chief I am looking forward to working closely with Chief Trautwein while we continue to improve organizational effectiveness by combining what I have learned with the numerous skills he brings to the organization.”
Coil wasn’t the only one to be officially promoted that night. Joining him was Jordan Baker who will now serve as a battalion chief and Todd Miranda, who was promoted to captain. Gary Davis was also recognized for his 20 years of service with SFD.
“Each of these individuals not only earned it but I think they’re solid leaders within the fire district,” Chief Jon Trautwein said.
Coil is a 21-year veteran of the SFD and after just two years on the job was promoted to captain and to battalion chief in 2007. Coil, an Army veteran, serves and operates as a section chief and is often called out to assist with wildland fires across the nation. In addition, he’s currently pursuing his doctorate.
Baker came to the district in 2002 as a reserve firefighter and was hired on full time later that year. A Marine veteran, he also served as an acting battalion chief before being promoted and has helped lead the district’s active-shooter response drills.
Miranda, who was hired in 2008 as a firefighter/medic, served as an acting captain before being promoted. He also helped develop the curriculum on medical responses relating to wildland fires, which is taught nationwide.
“We have a great group of guys and gals and because of you we’re able to run like a well-oiled machine and it can only get better,” Chairman Dave Soto said.
