As the old saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” And for Jon Trautwein, the past year has been a unique one, leading through a pandemic as the chief of the Sedona Fire District.
Trautwein took part in his first yearly evaluation with the SFD Governing Board during a virtual meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
“Chief, I want to thank you for a job well done this first year,” Board President David Soto said. “A lot of the goals you set for yourself you’ve met. Some are just beyond reach that we’re working on as we speak this very moment.”
Soto’s words were echoed by other members of the board.
“We evaluate you in four areas, all of which are very important — operation, fiscal management, connection with the community and the board, and strategic planning,” Board Secretary Corrie Cooperman said. “I just want to say you’ve done an exemplary job in all four of those areas.”
Trautwein joined the Pasadena Fire Department in 1992 but started as a volunteer. He was later hired full time and ended up spending his entire 27- year career there, rising to the rank of deputy chief before coming to Sedona, replacing Fire Chief Kris Kazian, with Assistant Chief Jayson Coil filled in as acting chief during the eight months after Kazian’s departure and Trautwein’s hiring.
“Thank you for your gracious input,” Trautwein told the board. “I really appreciate the opportunity to serve each and every one of you. We have a great staff and great firefighters here, which makes my job easier.”
The day after the meeting, Trautwein said the first year has been “fantastic.”
“Getting to know the community, the firefighters, our staff and our fire board has been really good,” he said. “Also, learning about the district has been very engaging. I am very appreciative of the opportunity.”
Regarding COVID-19, he said it’s been an eye-opening experience.
“Day to day, it can be very challenging to lead a fire agency,” he said. “When you add COVID-19, it feels like the challenges are increased 10-fold. Keeping good communications and developing solid protocols and work plans to protect the community and our firefighters because of COVID-19 takes additional energy. But in the end, effectively and efficiently accomplishing our mission and focus on safety is a satisfying reward.”
In an interview last year with the Sedona Red Rock News, Trautwein admitted that after nearly three decades with the same department, coming to Sedona was a matter of stepping out of his comfort zone to try something new. But over the years he’s tried to take that step in order to challenge himself. The result: He feels he’s a better firefighter because of it.
Trautwein said the location on the map didn’t hurt when applying for the chief position.
“Sedona is a destination area with great landscape, great people and wonderful community involvement,” he said. “So if you’re going to move, it’s nice to have all of that as a backdrop.”
