At its 34th annual conference, the Special District Association of Colorado (SDA) honored the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority with its 2009 District of the Year Award.

SDA annually presents this award to one special district which has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and service to its residents and constituents. The award was announced at the SDA Annual Conference which was held in Keystone, September 23-25.

Chief Dan Qualman, Board Secretary Linda Ganz and Board Member Hank Eng accepted the award on behalf of the district.

The creation of the newly named South Metro Fire Rescue Authority represents the merger of two top notch fire districts, dedicated to providing the best, most fiscally sound service to the citizens they serve. It also marks one of the largest government consolidations in recent years between the former Parker Fire District and the former South Metro Fire District.

After an extensive feasibility study, both district boards along with Chief Dan Qualman and other staff members came to the conclusion that merging the two districts would give citizens the most value for their dollar and they began the tedious process of merging the two outstanding fire districts together.

During the discovery period, South Metro Fire Rescue Authority worked diligently to provide citizens with information concerning the reasons for the merger and encouraged transparency and public comment.

The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority is a shining example of how great service can be when districts work together. All of the board members and staff members of the district put the needs of their citizens above all else. For their efforts, the Special District Association is proud to present the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority with the 2009 Special District of the Year Award.

Annie Skinner is the Communications Manager for the Special District Association of Colorado.