During the Thursday, Feb. 27, city council meeting, Alex Baker introduced himself as the new fire chief for the Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department. With more than 30 years under his belt as a firefighter, he assured the council of his qualifications and what he has planned as the new chief.
Baker, who was born and raised in Holbrook, joined the Navy after he graduated from high school, which is where his firefighting career began. “I received my initial fire training in the Navy, naval shipboard and aircraft firefighting. That’s where I got my first taste of it,” said Baker.
After spending six years in the Navy, he returned home and began working for the City of Holbrook soon after. In 1989, Baker joined the Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department as an auxiliary firefighter. “I applied for the fire department and I was put on auxiliary,” said Baker. Baker explained that the difference between an auxiliary member and a regular member is that a regular member is required to complete the Firefighter I and II course and the state certification exam. Auxiliary members are usually in the process of completing those steps.
Since then, Baker has spent over 30 years with the Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department. “I’ve pretty much held every position that the fire department has. I was a regular firefighter for a few years, then I went to an engineer, then I was advanced to captain. From there to assistant chief then up to chief,” saying he can’t quite remember what year it was that he became chief, only that it was sometime after returning home from his tour in Iraq in 2004.
Baker went on to list the credentials he’s acquired in the three decades he’s been with the department. “I’ve been on the fire department for 28 years as a regular fireman and I was auxiliary for three years prior to that. Since I’ve been on the fire department I’ve received (certifications in) Basic Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, HAZMAT (hazardous material) Awareness Level, HAZMAT Operations Level, Firefighting Tactics and Procedure. I’m a firefighter Instructor I, I’m a state and nationally certified Firefighter I and II. Some of my manager training I got in the Navy. I’ve got a Certificate of Public Policy and Management from the University of Arizona,” explained Baker, who has spent 18 of his 31 years on the department as either chief or assistant chief.
Baker was asked what his mission is as new chief. “Right now, I’m looking over some of the administrative stuff. There are a few things I’m cleaning up. Right now, I’m in the process of redoing our policies and procedures and our standard operating guidelines. We’re working on updating those this year. That’s probably at the top of my list. To get those updated and make sure they conform with our department, the way we do things and what’s required of us by the City of Holbrook. There’s always funding needs and equipment needs, just like any other department but we have to work together and everyone has got to kind of take their turn to get what they get,” offered Baker.
“I really enjoy being part of the fire department. I want to see it keep moving in the right direction. There’s a few things, like every new chief has an agenda they want to work towards, and I’ve got a few things that I want to do so we’re going to work in that direction,” said Baker.
There are currently 17 regular firefighters and eight auxiliary members in the Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department.
In new business, the council approved a resolution designating authority to execute a grant in the amount of $3.2 million for the airport runway. City Manager Ted Soltis offered, “I just want to remind council that this isn’t costing the city anything. One hundred percent of the grant is being funded.”
Councilman Tim Dixon asked Soltis to clarify that the airport runway would be receiving a complete restoration to which Soltis said, “That is correct, yes.” Dixon asked if the planning is taken care of, including surveying the area. Soltis said, “The runway is all in place. They’re not going to extend it or widen it or anything like that.”
Also, in new business, Fiscal Officer Randy Sullivan was there to propose quotes for leak detection equipment. He had three quotes but recommended that the city purchase a TriCorr leak detector from Dana Kepner out of Show Low, who already supplies their water equipment such as meters and meter reading equipment and had the cheapest bids of the three companies at $23,646. The quote included overall cost after freight and training. There were two other companies sought out for quotes. USA Blue Book provided a quote in the amount of $22,900 and Guterman provided a $26,500 quote. Neither of which would include freight cost, tax or training.
Councilmen Mark Jackson asked Sullivan if preemptive security measures are being taken to ensure the security of the expensive machine. “We’re going to spend $23,000 on this machine, how do we plan on securing and storing it. For that amount of money, I’d want to make sure that it is well taken care of and not just thrown in a corner,” said Jackson. Soltis interjected and offered, “We’re really updating our security system. We’ve got new security protocol in place. We have new cameras in place. Also, in addition to that, we will be very careful about how we store the piece of equipment and not just throw it in the corner. So, we’ll have security in place so nothing will get stolen, but also have it stored in the proper location where it’s not going to get damaged.”
Councilman Adam Marsh offered, “I understand the potholing was a nightmare because you’re literally trying to play whack-a-mole with the leak. I’m assuming the cost of man hours and equipment in a year of potholing versus this, this is going to pay for itself.” Which Sullivan confirmed that the machine would in fact pay itself off. Councilman Dixon also added that it’s going to be helpful in preventing water damage on the streets caused by water leaks.
Sullivan assured the council that the investment will almost pay for itself during the completion of the one job on Eighth Street alone. The Eighth Street water leak will also serve as the location for the hands on, on-site training for the employees to learn how to use the new leak detection equipment. The council approved the bid for Dana Kepner in the amount of $23,464.
In other business, Manager Soltis reported that there was an attempted break-in at the wastewater facility located at the west end of Hopi Drive. “Fortunately, nothing was stolen. A damaged window has been replaced and as a result of the attempted break-in, we are upgrading our security.”
He noted that the street department has finished their four-month crack seal project and will be moving on to the next phase of chip sealing. “We’ll be coordinating with the county to get the chip sealing done at the same time,” said Soltis.
Soltis added that the city is also working to clear up some of the alleyway mud caused by recent rain showers.
“With all the rain the alleys have suffered. You’ve probably noticed that; a lot of mud. Our guys have been putting some millings in the alleyways, hopefully this will reduce some of the mud,” said Soltis.
Soltis informed the council that the city is working in conjunction with Arizona Public Service (APS) on fixing the lighting on Hopi Drive and Navajo Blvd. “Some of the poles need to be replaced. Others have to be rewired and we’re also installing LED bulbs. So, thank you to APS they’ve been very helpful, working well with us,” said Soltis.
Due to a water leak on McLaws Road crews will be doing curbing and sidewalk repair. The water/wastewater department installed new pumps at Romero Street lift station. Soltis also said that two lift stations went down in Sun Valley due to the rain over the weekend. “One of them has been repaired and the other one the motor burnt up so we’re in the process of finding a replacement pump,” explained Soltis.
Soltis also said that the original plans for the expansion of the cemetery could not be located so they will be putting together a bid package.
Councilman Marsh also reminded everyone that flu season has approached. “It’s very easy to prevent. This is not the city of any kind of endorsement I personally advocate for the flu shot. So, if you can, please do so. Our immunity is very important. We all know people who are elderly, very young or immunodeficient who rely on people like you all to help us out. Wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick. It really goes a long way in preventing very simple preventable diseases. Let alone what we may be facing, hopefully not, but may be facing in the future,” said Marsh.
