RON KOTNIK
Ron was born in southern Ohio and raised in Florida. His family relocated to Ohio and he attended Case Western Reserve then transferred to FSU. While playing baseball at FSU, he was offered his dream shot in the Big Leagues; however, a motor vehicle accident abruptly ended his baseball career. While working as a union electrician, he was offered a position in 1991 with Avnet Inc. in Phoenix. He would come to Payson often to fish and mingle with the locals in Christopher Creek. He knew in his heart this is where he would retire. That wish came true in 2016 when he and Debbie Richardson moved to Hunter Creek Ranch. When Ron ran for election, he stated: “This community took me in as one of their own.” As a board member, he’s returning the favor.
CKFD is proud to represent Ron and have him represent this organization and community.
KAREN THORNTON
Karen is an Arizona native, born and raised in Phoenix. Her family consists of one daughter, one son, five adult grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They are the light of her life.
Karen’s mother bought the property her house is on in 1964 and Christopher Creek immediately became their family gathering place. After teaching in Chandler for thirty years, Karen retired to their cabin in 2002 and has thoroughly enjoyed life in “The Creek” since then.
This community is very important to her. Karen currently serves as an officer of the Christopher Creek HOA and Firebelles. In the past, she served a four year term as Clerk of the CKFD Fire Board and once again finds herself returning to the Board. It is Karen’s pleasure to support the Fire Department and her community in any way possible.
CKFD is very lucky for Karen’s return and all of her continuing support.
JOANIE PRICE
Joanie grew up in Phoenix where her parents moved to when she was just a year old. In 2004, she moved to the Colcord Estates area, which is the “Only place to be, in God’s Country”. Joanie made her career as a union heavy equipment operator for almost forty years, before retiring in 2016. She still enjoys being an operator, owning a tractor and an excavator which keeps her busy doing grading jobs.
“I am honored to be appointed to the CKFD board and being involved in the community”
CKFD is also very honored to have Joanie join the team.
DOUG FRENZ
Doug was born and raised in Aurora, Ohio before going off to the University of Arizona to study archaeology. His first recollection of Payson was a trip in 1970 with his rock climbing and spelunking buddies, when they rappelled down through the hole in the Tonto Natural Bridge (before there was a grate and yes, they were all skinny dudes). His college career was put on hold when he returned to Ohio and became a merchant marine on the Great Lakes for four years. Two very significant events happened in those four years. First, he met his wife Andrea on a blind date. Second, on one very cold snowy morning while standing on the deck of his ship, a Coast Guard helicopter came out to pick up a sick crew member. Doug looked up and decided that was a more exciting proposition; to be a helicopter crewman. The path through the Coast Guard had too many obstacles, but the Navy made it easy. He got married and spent the next 37 years in the Navy. Twenty years active duty retiring as a Senior Petty Officer (E-8) and 17 years working as a Contract Simulator Instructor, teaching future helicopter crewman. As a crewman, he operated sensors such as sonar, radar and lidar. He was also a Search and Rescue swimmer, Crew Chief, Combat Crewman, door gunner and navigator. He served through the first Gulf War/Desert Storm and is a member of the Americal Legion and Life Member of the VFW.
Upon retirement, he remembered the little town of Payson up in the pines, and he and Andrea took quite a few house hunting trips. They stumbled upon Hunter Creek and found their perfect forever home. A medical emergency in 2019 required a trip to CKFD station 51 where Doug was stabilized prior to transport to Banner ER. Becoming a member of the Fire Board was pretty much a no-brainer and he’s very proud to serve.
MARK HENDRICKSON
Mark’s family has had a cabin at Kohl’s Ranch since the 1950’s. He has fished the creeks and lakes and enjoyed the splendor of Rim Country since childhood. The love for this area and the freedom to roam through its beauty have also been an important part of the lives of his children and grandchildren. In 2019, after a 40-year career as a physician and rancher, Mark and his wife Rachel were fortunate to build a retirement home at Kohl’s right next to the homes of his three siblings. “Serving on the CKFD Fire Board is a small way to pay back to the local communities for all the joy four generations of Hendrickson’s have received from Rim Country.”