John Higley
Fire Chief
~ Retired ~
Born November 12, 1946
Passed Away April 21, 2008

John Higley’s career as a firefighter with Central Yavapai Fire District is legendary. He began his career as a mechanic/firefighter in 1972 and he was the first person in Central Yavapai Fire District’s history to work his way up through the ranks to the position of Fire Chief. Numerous times he served as Acting Fire Chief during transitional times to keep the district running smoothly. He mentored dozens of young firefighters who are still protecting us today, taught many fire science classes at Yavapai College, and co-authored one of the first manuals, still being used today, which taught the procedures and protocols for administrating a fire district. As Assistant Chief, he worked on the creation of the District’s first capital replacement schedule. Assistant Chief Higley was promoted to Fire Chief in June of 1990 and served in that capacity until he retired in December of 1993. Chief Higley brought stability and direction to the Fire District throughout his career. His concern and leadership for the personnel, firefighters and citizens of Central Yavapai Fire District was immeasurable.

Frank Claunch

Born July 29, 1936
Passed away July 9, 2008

Frank Claunch was a dedicated member of the Central Yavapai Fire District Board of Directors for nearly 6 years.  Frank began his career in the fire service in Vernon, CA where he served for 25 years before retiring as a Chief Officer.  During his career Frank also worked as a member of the Disneyland Fire Department.  He and his wife retired to Prescott AZ where they built their home and began a new phase of their lives. 
Frank had two big loves, his family and the fire service.  “The fire service was his life and to serve the community was everything to him.”  Frank had a deep dedication to helping others, and a belief that through his public service he could make his community a better place.  He gave Central Yavapai Fire District his 100%.  He was interested and involved in every aspect of our department, whether it was reserve drill, or promotional testing, an AFDA meeting, or the Hose Cart Races, Frank was there.  He wasn’t there to oversee or verify, but only to spend time at the District because of his love of the fire service.  He was concerned that everyone was treated fairly and included, from the firefighters, to the mechanics, to the office staff.  During Frank’s tenure on the Board he was involved and proud of the many accomplishments that the District was able to achieve.  During this time CYFD saw the building of a new fire station in the Prescott Valley community, a new fleet maintenance facility for servicing all apparatus and equipment, the highly honored status of achieving recognition as one of the few Internationally Accredited Fire Districts in the State of Arizona and finally he was a driving force in making the dream of Central Yavapai Fire District having a modern fire training center become a reality.