The Sherwood Forest Fire District is a government agency supported by property taxes. It is governed by a three-person fire board who are publicly elected to their positions. Board members must be full time residents of the fire district to serve and are elected to four year terms. The governance by the fire board and its duties and authorities are provided by Arizona statute. The members meet and vote to fill the three positions – Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. All meetings are subject to compliance with the Arizona open meetings laws.
The primary function of the fire board is to govern the operations of the fire department by providing guidance to and oversight of the Chief, his/her command staff, and the requests, plans, and activities of the fire department. The board sets the budget, approves the department’s goals and objectives, and ensures the chief complies with the directives as provided by the board. The board’s mandate is to ensure the residents of the fire district are provided the highest level of fire, rescue, and EMS services possible, properly maintained equipment, a ready and trained volunteer force, and continuing efforts to incorporate evolving operational trends and service methodologies, while doing so within the ability of the funds available.
The public is welcome to attend the monthly board meetings. These meetings provide the opportunity to see the board as it conducts business and witness the reports by the fire chief and staff and the direction given by the board. A monthly review of the budget and finances plus a review of the month’s operations, training, and support activities is presented. A public comment period is offered for those residents of the district who may desire to address the fire board and fire management with a comment or concern.
Bruce Speirs currently serves as the fire board chair. The duties of this position are generally to formulate the agendas and direct the public meetings.
Bruce has 30 years of experience in public safety with significant experience with fire organizations in the area of helicopter support during fire operations. Bruce, with over 5,000 helicopter flight hours, was the chief pilot in charge of a multimillion dollar operation with several turbine helicopters. He received specialized LAFD pilot training for water dropping operations with the Bell 205A1 Huey helicopter, has conducted external load operations at fires, and provided aerial command and control flights during major incidents and disasters such as the Northridge earthquake, LA riots, and Malibu fires. Bruce has attended the USC School of Systems and Safety, the California Specialized Training Institute, and holds a management certificate from the California POST commission. Now retired Bruce also serves on the Mountain Rose Ranch Estates HOA board of directors.
Sue Hamilton serves as Treasurer for the Sherwood Forest Fire District Board. She lives here full time and is very active with the fire auxiliary, neighborhood watch, Moonset pit volunteers and neighborhood clean up. Sue grew up in Flagstaff and chose this area when she and her husband retired. They wanted to return to the mountains. They love it here and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.
Debby Hambi serves as Secretary for the fire board. She lives full-time in Mountain Rose Ranch Estates and has served in this position for many years.
Please feel free to join us as a volunteer for the breakfast. We will be setting up on Friday, August 31 at 4pm at the Firehouse. Clean up will commence at 10am on Saturday, with lots of tables and chairs to put away.
