Sedona Fire District Chief Nazih Hazime was given a favorable one-year evaluation by the Governing Board on Aug. 25.

After a relatively quick executive session, the Governing Board praised Hazime for the work he has been doing for the past year. Hazime was hired to lead the district in September 2009.

Governing Board member Liza Vernet recommended the board give Hazime a vote of confidence in his annual evaluation, and it was instantly seconded.

Vernet said she believes Hazime has done an amazing job considering the situation and acrimony that existed when he arrived in Sedona, which included a failed recall effort against two board members.

“He has handled issues exceptionally well, expanded community outreach, and tightened the district’s finances,” Vernet said.

Governing Board member Charles Christensen agreed with Vernet involving the fire chief’s performance.

Hazime is a good leader and represents the district well, Christensen said.

He said the fire chief is not afraid to make decisions and is not swayed by anyone to change his mind or opinions.

Governing Board Chairman Ralph Graves said he agreed with the rest of the board on Hazime’s job performance. 

Graves said he feels fortunate the current board was able to hire Hazime and that the fire chief agreed to work for the fire district.

He also said he appreciates everything Hazime has done the past year for the district and community. The motion to gave Hazime a vote of confidence passed 4-0.

“I was very pleased with the comments the board made about my performance,” Hazime said Friday, Aug. 27.

He said he was also pleased the board saw how well he performed in the communication aspects of the job.
“It was all positive,” he said.