Vicki Cox Golder, Doug Sweetland and Fire Chief Randy Karrer
Patti R. Albaugh
SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club recently honored the Golder Ranch Fire District with a luncheon to celebrate their life-saving work, time, compassion and educational programs. Over 180 people attended the luncheon at MountainView Country Club February 16. Tables were decorated with fire hats, bright flower arrangements, fire insignia plates and Life Saver® candies. SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotarians seated themselves randomly among the tables to greet and talk with the Golder Ranch personnel.
The luncheon attendees were treated to a medley of songs from the Sonoran Singers who sang the song Firemen to the tune of Yellow Bird. They then proceeded to other well-known melodies. Rotarians introduced their new fire district friends and then several speakers spoke to the bravery and compassionate mission of the Golder Ranch Fire District. Bill Einecker, President of SaddleBrooke Two, spoke to the professionalism of the men and women who serve SaddleBrooke. Just about everyone raised hands when asked who had been aided, rescued or transported by Golder Ranch personnel. Vivian Timian, General Manager of SaddleBrooke HOA 1, also spoke to the contributions of the District, including enforcement of fire codes that ensure the safety of patrons and staff.
Vickie Cox Golder, District Board Chair, spoke of the history of Golder Ranch Fire District and about her late husband’s vision and dedication to efficient and locally controlled fire protection. The Golder Ranch Fire District was created in 1977 by a vote of the residents in the area. The year 2017 marks the fortieth year of operation. Today the District serves a 222 square mile area with a population of nearly 60,000 residents. Included in the District are the communities of Oro Valley, Catalina, SaddleBrooke and southern Pinal County. Golder Ranch District is governed by a five-person, non-partisan board elected at large by the voters of the District.
Family was a continual theme in the remarks made by speakers. Fire Chief Randy Karrer spoke enthusiastically of the family of firefighters, EMT personnel, training and administrative staff who make up the Golder Ranch Fire District “family.” A portion of the Fire District values statement includes, “Compassion is treating each other and our customer as an extension of our family. Trust is building and strengthening relationships through our words and actions.” As guests and Rotarians discovered while they sat and interacted with the District personnel, the Golder Ranch Fire District does indeed serve with “strong hands and caring hearts.”
The luncheon concluded with Past President Doug Sweetland presenting a plaque from the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary honoring the District. Rotarians, guests and District personnel exited with new knowledge, appreciation and new friends.