Sedona Fire Chief Nazih M. Hazime

Sedona AZ (August 14, 2010)-Sedona Fire Chief, Nazih M. Hazime, says of his parents who were born and raised in Lebanon and settled in the United States in 1955 to start a family in the city of Highland Park, Michigan, “I am one of five children, being the only son, born April 10, 1960. My upbringing was very diverse while growing up in the Detroit area which  has built my foundation.

I began working at the age of 14 and have never stopped. My employment with the City of Dearborn began in the maintenance division of the Department of Public Works while attending college when I was 18.  I applied to the Fire Department and was selected in 1984 as a probationary firefighter. Before being named Fire Chief in 2004, I held the positions of Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Pump Operator Firefighter III, and Lieutenant.

I am a 2008 graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, Maryland; a 2001 graduate from the School of Fire Staff and Command from Eastern Michigan University; have received specialized training in Homeland Security community preparedness; completed Fire Officer 1, 2, and 3 training, and am a 1982 graduate with an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Henry Ford Community College.

I met my wife, Laurie, in 1991 at Dearborn’s Oakwood Hospital where she was employed. While delivering a patient to the emergency room, I provided her with the patient’s information and the rest is history. We were married in July of 1995 and just recently celebrated our 14 year anniversary.

My wife and I visited Sedona for the first time in 1999, based on the recommendation of one of Laurie’s brothers.  We have returned to Sedona for vacations every other year since then. We were and still are overwhelmed with the surreal views, the southwest culture, and friendly community.

Sedona has given us a glimpse of how beautiful our country can be.  Our fondest memories during visits to Sedona were experienced while hiking and biking the red rocks, from happening upon wildlife to enjoying the beautiful views at the top of the vortexes.  Of course, I can’t leave out experiencing great restaurants and the art culture of Sedona during our visits.

Applying for the position of Fire Chief for SFD was a great opportunity that my wife and I felt destined to pursue.  Now, it has become a reality. What we have known to be a beautiful place to visit is now our home. To be selected to lead the Sedona Fire District was an honor. 

I have already experienced meeting many quality members of the Sedona Fire District team.  In the early days as your Chief, I will be listening and learning to become familiar with all members.  I will certainly share my expectations and experiences to support the Sedona Fire District and to make a positive impact moving forward.”

The SedonaEye.com thanks our new Sedona Fire Chief for submitting this article. Follow the Sedona Fire Department and the upcoming Fire Board election in the New Sedona Times Publishing monthly newspaper and the SedonaTimes.com web site. We are excited to announce the new SedonaEye.com daily news and views web site will go Live! in winter 2010-2011. Use the social networking tools beneath this article to share on Facebook and Twitter and elsewhere! Subscribe today!