Over the past eight years, the Sedona Fire District has seen many faces come and go, whether it’s on the Governing Board or personnel. But one constant has been Corrie Cooperman.
Tuesday, Nov. 17, was Cooperman’s last day on the board, having served most of that time as its clerk. At the end of the meeting, staff and fellow board members recognized her time and accomplishments.
Chief Jon Trautwein said he’s been impressed with what Cooperman has brought to the board the last eight years and the spirit in which she’s done it. He noted that she was on the Station 6 committee that brought a station to the Chapel area and was also on the firefighters’ pension board and chief hiring committee.
“Personally, I want to thank you for your commitment and dedication over the past eight years,” Trautwein said. “In general, this fire board and community will miss your wisdom and contribution. You’ve done an exceptional job.”
Each of her fellow board members was given an opportunity to express their thoughts.
■ Al Comello: “I’ve looked to Corrie for guidance and I’ve seen that you lead by example. You demonstrate that there’s more to being on the board than just showing up for meetings. You’ve shown that you need to look beyond the obvious and ask questions. As time goes on, I hope I can be a better board member because of what you’ve taught me and shown me.”
■ Gene McCarthy: “A couple years ago Al and I came aboard and I found a mentor in you. For that, I’ve been blessed to learn from you and others. When you come through the door and take your seat, you’re prepared. I’m going to miss you. You’re not moving out of Sedona and you know where we are. Thank you for your sage advice, your input and your involvement on this board.”
■ Joy Moore: “During interactions we’ve had since I’ve come back on the board — and I watched you when I wasn’t on the board — I’ve noticed your diligence, your intelligence, your passion and integrity over the past eight years. You’ve been an amazing board member and an amazing contributor to the Sedona community. I will miss everything about you.”
■ Dave Soto: “I have listened to what you have said to me in private and at meetings in relation to performance and I have always listened to every point that you have made. I have taken it to heart. It has made me a better board member, a better chair and a better person. I thank you for that.”
■ Former Fire Chief Kris Kazian wrote in a letter, “She’s not only an amazing person but a friend I had the honor and privilege to serve with as the fire chief for many of her years on the fire board. While I have worked along with many great board members, Corrie truly stands out as someone who has shown her desire to learn the business and be a scholar in every aspect under her charge.”
■ Also sending a letter was longtime SFD executive assistant Tricia Greer.
“Thank you for saving Sedona Fire District when we desperately needed heroes back in 2012 at a time when we, employees, felt somewhat hopeless and depressed about people irrationally attacking us,” she wrote, referencing that Cooperman was elected in a successful recall to replace three board members. “Personally and professionally you stepped up and offered your calm but assertive demeanor to defend emergency services for our community.”
Cooperman said she appreciates and was touched by all the kind words.
“It’s been a very rewarding eight years,” she said. “It started during a time of turmoil for this district. I got a phone call asking that I run for the board and it was a lot to say yes to. I’m somewhat of a shy and reserved person so it was not easy to know that I would be expected to be out there, meet people, attend chamber meetings and then be in debates. But I said yes because I care so much about our emergency services and about our citizens, who in their time of need, need quality and a good response time.”
She went on to thank Kazian and Trautwein for teaching her the ins and out of the districts and its operations. She was also thankful for the staff and her fellow board members.
“The most rewarding aspect of being on this board has been being introduced to the firefighting culture,” Cooperman said. “It’s an extraordinary culture that I didn’t know about. The ethics are so beautiful. It’s not only about showing up but doing the right thing while doing more than is asked and doing it with care, dedication and integrity. Those are all firefighting guidelines.”
