The SFEFD is a volunteer organization dedicated to the mission of “Neighbor helping Neighbor.” Below you will find recognitions of volunteers past and present.
Spring 2024
This column highlights Firefighter Randy Rask.
Randy Rask has been a volunteer for over three years now. Randy is a full time contractor who builds beautiful homes in our area. Randy and his wife have one adorable girl and are expecting their second child (a boy) any day now. When Randy isn’t helping out his neighborhood, he enjoys practicing jujitsu or being pulled around on his snowboard. We are very lucky to have him on our team. Thank you for serving our community Randy!
August 2020
This column highlights Assistant Fire Chief Matthew McDowell.
Matthew McDowell is a 5th generation Arizonian. He grew up in the Verde Valley and started working construction at a young age. After marrying his wife in 2008 he knew construction wasn’t feeding his soul. Matthew returned to school for a drastic career change into public safety. Getting his degree in Emergency Response and Operations, he set himself up for a long career in the fire service. Matthew has been in the fire service for over seven years and works full time at a very busy department in northern Arizona. Matthew was recently promoted to Captain at his fulltime department. He has certifications in EMS, Extrication, Fire suppression, Aircraft Firefighting, Hazmat, and Leadership. Matthew is a full time resident of Sherwood Forest Estates and says he loves every minute he is home, especially watching his two young boys grow and be happy here. He also stated that he looks forward to spending decades to come here and helping out wherever he can in the community.
July 2020
This column highlights newly appointed Fire Chief John Moede.
John brings experience from 28 years with the LAFD, 5 years with the city of Scottsdale (Emergency Management) and 7 years with Williams FD (2 years Assistant Chief). John has experience in medical, fire and special rescue operations. John has teaching experience both nationally and and internationally with CERT and USAR.
John is a graduate of Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program (Texas A&M), Naval Post Graduate School’s Executive Leaders Program, and LAFD/LAPD Leadership Academy.
John looks forward to building upon the progress of those before him and building a cohesive community atmosphere.
June 2020
