While construction of the Sept. 11 memorial at Sedona Fire District’s Station 6 continues, plans for the memorial that day are wrapping up.

During the July 20 SFD Governing Board meeting, Chief Kris Kazian said not only has the 9/11 committee raised enough for the memorial itself — around $74,000 — but there is also enough remaining for upkeep and maintenance as well as for a 15th anniversary memorial event set for Sunday, Sept. 11. A light lunch will be served to attendees at noon followed by a dedication service at 1 p.m.

“There are a lot of good things happening at the site,” he said. “They’ve poured the concrete and the girder will soon be going up.”

In all, $88,836 was raised for the memorial.

“It’s remarkable and impressive what the committee has done in order to raise this kind of money,” board member Corrie Cooperman said.

In other SFD matters:

• Kazian officially swore in new board member Abraham Koniarsky, who said it was an honor to serve as a member of the board. He replaces Diane Schoen, who stepped down earlier this summer.
• The SFD has billed the state or federal government $1,037,000 this wildland fire season for personnel and equipment services. Kazian said about 80 percent of that goes toward salaries but in the end, the district will bank $222,000 into its general fund for those services.
• Kazian updated the board on the state’s plan to place fencing along Midgley Bridge in an attempt to reduce suicide jumpers. While acknowledging that nothing is fool proof, he praised the Arizona Department of Transportation for moving forward with its plan in a timely manner. He added that he requested that there be some type of gate along the fencing to allow emergency crews to haul someone up if needed.
• Human Resources Director Betty Johnson said that the district will be hiring five new firefighters — three on Aug. 1 and two on Sept. 12. The majority of the new hires will be assigned to Station 6.
• Kazian and the board took time to thank SFD Finance Manager Sandi Schmidt, who is retiring this week after 30 years with the district.
  “SFD is honored and blessed to have dedicated people like Sandi in our organization,” Kazian said. “She’s brought a lot to the organization and we’ll truly miss her. We’re sad to see you go but we’re happy you’re leaving on your own terms.”
  Adding that she was trying not to cry, Schmidt said, “It’s been a long 30 years but it’s been a wonderful 30 years. I’m very proud to be part of this organization. It’s hard to leave but it’s time.”