For first responders, it’s all in a day’s work. But it’s also nice to be recognized for that work even if it is just part of their job.
Earlier this month, the Sedona Fire District announced its annual awards in a variety of categories to recognize its members, outstanding residents and community organizations for service-related and performance-related excellence.
“The SFD is proud of the employees and our community honoree that received these awards,” SFD Chief Jon Trautwein said. “These are well-deserved awards and highlight the incredible personnel that we have here in the district.”
Those who were recognized include the following:
■ Firefighter/Engineer of the Year: Engineer Brian Espiau. Trautwein said Espiau is a non-officer who has made the most significant contribution to the district in the past year.
To be considered for this award, the recipient must have an exemplary work ethic and strive steadily for their own improvement and the betterment of others. Also designated as the Masonic Firefighter of the Year, this is the highest award bestowed annually on a non-officer.
“Espiau has been essential in moving the district forward in the way of technology and customer service,” Trautwein said. “Espiau is a key contributor and worker in implementing multiple new computer-based systems to help track data on fire and EMS calls as well as a station, apparatus, equipment, time, attendance and personnel tracking systems.
“He is always ready and willing to help anyone no matter the circumstances and completes his work with the highest level of professionalism. He is a highly respected employee because of the hard work and excellent service he provides.”
■ Officer of the Year: Capt. Brian Ford. The recipient of this award will be a strong, forward-thinking leader who faces challenges head-on and inspires their team to deliver with compassion and commitment.
“Ford coordinates facility projects, serves as liaison between the district and contractors/vendor and performs quality assurance on the facility projects,” Trautwein said. “The sheer amount of productivity in this role is at the point where no one else can compare to Ford in this category.”
■ Administration/ Support Employee of the Year: User Support Lead Jeremy Harris.
“Harris is a vital player in keeping the district connected. The increased use of technology has increased the needs for help desk assistance,” the chief said. “Harris has continued to stay on top of those needs while implementing new technology, software and upgrades while the overall demand continues to increase.”
During the COVID- 19 pandemic, Harris has played a critical role in setting up staff to work remotely by ensuring staff had the equipment and IT security protections.
■ Community Service Award: Firefighter Mark Feeney, who rode 12 hours on a bicycle to raise funds for under-privileged children to have toys on Christmas for the Toys for Tots program. “Feeney’s Ride” generated over $5,000 from sponsors for children.
■ Outstanding Citizen or Community Organization: Hank Vincent, park manager at Slide Rock State Park. On one call, he assisted SFD in finding the patient even though the patient could not be located within the park.
He went above and beyond to see that the district had what it needed to locate this patient. Vincent provided additional personnel to assist with difficult calls and assists in establishing landing zones at Slide Rock State Park.
■ Unit Citation: Kronos Implementation Team of Branda Brothers, Brian Espiau, Keona Freeman, Jeremy Harris as well as the Slide Rock Response Technical Rescue Team of Jarrett Tarver, Jamey Kreun, Paul Chabot, Seth Gaillard, Jessie Cave, Marc Howard and Donny Minardi.
The Kronos UKG Implementation Team has logged hundreds of hours in meetings, training and data collection to improve employee experience from application to retirement.
On June 9, 2020, the team responded to a call to Slide Rock for a head injury. Upon arrival crews were trying to locate the patient with reports of him being located north of Slide Rock by the creek. Tarver sent two personnel to locate the patient and relay the best location to gain access for extraction of the patient. Kreun and Chabot hiked in to locate the patient and start care. The two crew members hiked for 25 minutes to locate the patient.
The patient was located in a difficult location. Tarver coordinated the extrication while the haul team of Cave and Gaillard set up the system. Howard and Minardi assisted with carrying the patient out. Vincent joined and assisted with carrying out the patient to the location where the rescue system was set up. Once the patient was carried to the location, the basket was lowered to the ground.
The team began the lift and carried the rescue basket up the shelf for 10 minutes. Once they got to the top of the rescue system, they disconnected the ropes and carried the patient upslope to the road. The patient was transported to the landing zone and transferred.
■ Citation of Valor: Capt. Casey Carr
On May 31, 2020, Carr responded to a multi-casualty car accident on State Route 179 on his way home from work. Carr called 911, coordinated the needed resources including medical helicopters. He performed CPR on two pediatric patients while evaluating the scene and staging for incoming resources. Sadly, the pediatric patients did not survive. Captain Carr displayed leadership and resourcefulness in a very difficult situation.
■ Distinguished Service Commendation to firefighters Isaiah Moore and Alfonso Puyana
Six years ago, Moore and Puyana were returning to their station and stopped and checked on someone in their car parked on the side of the road.
The impact of them stopping became a life-changing event for the occupant of that car. A young woman was the occupant. She was 18 years old at the time and in an abusive relationship.
When she learned that her partner was unfaithful, she tried to leave. Her partner became upset and brutally assaulted her in their home. She told her partner that she would take a drive with her if she would stop the assault.
Her partner agreed but during the ride she realized the drive was a mistake. Her partner parked the car in a dark area and continued to assault her in the car.
She thought her life was over until an ambulance pulled up behind their car.
The two firefighters stopped to make sure they were OK.
She allowed them to care for her injuries and transport her to care. Her partner was arrested for disorderly conduct and domestic violence.
“This event changed this young woman’s life,” Trautwein said. “She ended the relationship, traveled, became a nurse, married a police officer and had two beautiful children. She sends her sincere gratitude to those two firefighters for stopping that night and changing her life.”
