Sedona Fire & Police Departments
Historic Sedona
In 1948 the Sedona School burned to the ground. This motivated the new Chamber of Commerce to start a "Firefight Fund". Sedona blacksmith and mechanic Carl Richards kept Sedona's first fire truck in his garage so he is unofficially know as Sedona's first fire chief.
The Sedona-Oak Creek Volunteer Fire Department organized formally in 1957. Spanning two countries created legal and political hurdles, however, fire fighters crossed the county line to help people. The formation of the Red Rock Fire District in 1960 by the newly formed Red Rock Taxpayers Association overcame these obstacles. The new District built its' first fire station on land donated by a development in Grasshopper Flat. They added their first ambulance in March 1963 when it was donated by the Business and Professional Women's Club (BPW).
In early 1900s, the county sometimes appointed rural Justices of the Peace when there was a volunteer, like Juan Armijo. Juan and his successors had little to do. In 1940, Coconino County hired Will Steele Sr. As the area's first part time sheriff's deputy, Steele used his personal car for calls. When he passed away in 1951, his son took the job, which was made full-time. Will Jr. responded to emergencies in Yavapai County
and would wait until a deputy from that side of the county line could arrive from Cottonwood. When the City of Sedona incorporated in 1988, they established their own police dept.Erected by Sedona Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1963.
Location. 34° 52.073′ N, 111° 45.718′ W. Marker is in Sedona, Arizona, in Yavapai County. Marker can be reached from Hwy 89A. Located along the wall within a outdoor mall called The Shops at Hyatt Piñon. Next to Wildflower Bread Company (A2-3) at the far end. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 N Hwy 89A, Sedona AZ 86336, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Settlers (a few steps from this marker); Roads (a few steps from this marker); Jessie "Bear" Howard (a few steps from this marker); Grasshopper Flat (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sinagua (within shouting distance of this marker); Cowboys (within shouting distance of this marker); Heart of Sedona (within shouting distance of this marker); Elvis Plays Sedona (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sedona.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2019, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 310 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 28, 2019, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.