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Sedona Assistant Fire Chief Keller Retires

Sedona Assistant Fire Chief Terry Keller

Sedona Assistant Fire Chief Terry Keller to become Montezuma-Rimrock Fire Chief

Sedona AZ (January 11, 2013)  – Sedona Fire District prepares to say goodbye to Assistant Chief Terry Keller who served with the SFD for more than 24 years. Keller began as a volunteer firefighter and was promoted through the ranks. He also served as Interim Fire Chief following the resignation of SFD Chief Nazih M. Hazime in 2011.

Sedona Fire Chief Kris Kazian writes, “Terry Keller has been instrumental in many aspects of the Sedona Fire District as we know it today. He has been an active paramedic working as a Captain at Station 3 in the Village of Oak Creek for many years, and as a Technical Rescue Specialist in the implementation of the Rope Rescue Response team. Serving in his administrative roles and with a Bachelors degree in Economics, he has actively helped manage the budget and proven his ability to be an effective administrator.”

Kazian continued, “Working with Terry for the past ten months has been amazing. We have grown together as a team and flourished as we looked to tackle the issues SFD faces going forward. He has become not only a respected co-worker, but truly a personal friend. I will miss him and our shared vision for effective community services.”

Sedona Rope Rescue team in action

Sedona Rope Rescue Response team in action

After being promoted from Battalion Chief to Assistant Chief in 2007, Keller worked in the administration and management of Sedona Fire District. He believed in operating a fire district as a practical emergency services provider while balancing its financial responsibilities. Toward that end, he served on many committees and was instrumental in facilitating the Station 6 Citizens Committee (then known as the Chapel Station), acting as SFD liaison between the architects, the Governing Board and SFD staff.

Kazian also pointed out that Keller prioritized “reduction in response times” and “proper district coverage during his tenure.”

Although Terry Keller is retiring from the Sedona Fire District, he will quickly assume the mantle of Montezuma-Rimrock Fire District Fire Chief on February 1, 2013.

“We are sad to see Terry go, but happy that our neighbors at Montezuma–Rimrock will get to enjoy his expertise as they open a new chapter in their history. He will be a huge asset for them and will still live in Sedona, so I am sure he won’t be a stranger to SFD,” said Kazian. “The public is welcome to attend the last SFD Fire Board meeting which Assistant Chief Keller will be in official attendance on January 23, 2013. Join us to say thank you and share in congratulating Terry at the west Sedona Station 1 regularly scheduled Board meeting.”

Currently SFD is evaluating its options for the vacated position.

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