By Richard Dyer
Mail | X: @RHDyer

An agreement to pay $3,000 for a photographer to capture approximately 150 photos of fire and emergency medical services scenes was approved recently by the Superstition Fire and Medical District board.

The board voted unanimously Jan. 14 as part of a consent agenda with other items to approve the agreement.

SFMD has several initiatives that require the use of media, including photos and videos, Administrative Services Director Anna Butel wrote in a memo to the board.

“These projects include updating the website, strategic plan and various social media posts. Having photos of current employees readily available helps SFMD produce high-quality marketing materials,” she said.

The agreement will be between SFMD and Rayna Steffen.

Steffen, Apache Junction Police Department’s public safety information officer, confirmed in an email she is the photographer.

“I am providing photography services as an individual to SFMD,” Steffen said.

The contract states:

• The photographer will capture high-quality images of various fire and EMS scenes as directed by the SFMD.
• The images should include, but not be limited to, action shots, equipment, personnel in action and any other relevant scenes requested by the SFMD.
• The photography sessions will take place from January through March 2025 at various locations as agreed upon by both parties.
• The photographer agrees to be available at the specified times and locations to complete the shoot.
• The photographer will deliver approximately 150 edited high-resolution digital images and video.
• The final images will be delivered to the SFMD by April 2025.
• The SFMD agrees to pay the photographer a total fee of $3,000.
• The fee will be paid upon delivery of the final images.
• The SFMD is granted a perpetual, non-exclusive license to use the images for promotional, educational and operational purposes.
• The photographer agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all scenes and information observed during the shoot.
• The photographer will take all necessary precautions to ensure safety during the shoot.
• The SFMD agrees to indemnify and hold the photographer harmless from any claims arising from the photography sessions.

The district, which is primarily funded by property taxes, provides fire suppression, fire prevention, wildland protection, advanced life support, rescue, extrication and medical transportation services out of five fire stations in Apache Junction and Gold Canyon.

SFMD board meetings are generally held at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the SFMD Administrative Office, 565 N. Idaho Road in Apache Junction. Agendas are at https://sfmd.az.gov/.

Richard H. Dyer can be reached at rdyer@iniusa.org, or on X @rhdyer. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

Richard Dyer
Managing Editor | East Valley

rdyer@iniusa.org

Richard Dyer has worked at Independent Newsmedia, Inc.. USA, since 1987. Since 2009, he has worked as a volunteer to design The Blue Guitar Magazine, Blue Guitar Jr. magazine and Unstrung magazine, which are projects of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts; and since 2014, has been overseeing the art submissions. He also is an artist of welded-steel sculptures, selling his artwork at juried and non-juried art shows