HISTORY
HISTORY
The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade.
SMC Fire has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities. The new department is staffed by 154 personnel that provide emergency services utilizing 10 engine companies and two ladder trucks from the existing nine fire stations. The consolidation allows SMC Fire to continue providing comprehensive emergency response services to all three cities in a more cost-effective way, while maintaining the high level of service the communities rely upon.
The efforts to explore this collaboration began in 2010 when Foster City and San Mateo agreed to share duties of then Fire Chief Dan Belville. Over the next two years, the two cities expanded their partnership to include other key Command Staff positions. In 2013, under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Keefe, the City of Belmont/Belmont Fire Protection District joined the partnership. At that time, the three cities agreed to share, jointly staff, and relocate the Foster City Ladder Truck to a centralized location that better served the three communities. In 2015, newly appointed Fire Chief John Healy was directed by the three City Managers to study the viability of completing the merger of all fire protection services. The goal was to continue to provide the same high-quality emergency services in a more sustainable model. Staff from the cities and fire departments explored available options and determined a JPA was the most viable option.
The JPA was officially established on November 22, 2017, and on January 13, 2019, SMC Fire commenced operations as an independent fire department.
The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade.
SMC Fire has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities. The new department is staffed by 154 personnel that provide emergency services utilizing 10 engine companies and two ladder trucks from the existing nine fire stations. The consolidation allows SMC Fire to continue providing comprehensive emergency response services to all three cities in a more cost-effective way, while maintaining the high level of service the communities rely upon.
The efforts to explore this collaboration began in 2010 when Foster City and San Mateo agreed to share duties of then Fire Chief Dan Belville. Over the next two years, the two cities expanded their partnership to include other key Command Staff positions. In 2013, under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Keefe, the City of Belmont/Belmont Fire Protection District joined the partnership. At that time, the three cities agreed to share, jointly staff, and relocate the Foster City Ladder Truck to a centralized location that better served the three communities. In 2015, newly appointed Fire Chief John Healy was directed by the three City Managers to study the viability of completing the merger of all fire protection services. The goal was to continue to provide the same high-quality emergency services in a more sustainable model. Staff from the cities and fire departments explored available options and determined a JPA was the most viable option.
The JPA was officially established on November 22, 2017, and on January 13, 2019, SMC Fire commenced operations as an independent fire department.
ABOUT US
Department Overview
The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade. We participate in a Joint Powers Agreement providing automatic aid response throughout the San Mateo County's Fire Service delivery system. We have 9 fire stations strategically located throughout the cities of Belmont, Foster City, and San Mateo to provide rapid response to fires, medical emergencies, rescues and other emergency calls for service.
Certifications
All our Firefighters are State-certified Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technicians. One member on each Engine Company is a State-licensed paramedic, permitting the department to provide advanced life support services.
Fire Action Consensus Team (FACT)
We utilize a participatory management model, known as the Fire Action Consensus Team (FACT). FACT is made up of a cross-section of fire department employees and exists to solicit and assess input from all ranks of the organization. It is the shared responsibility of all department members, working through FACT members, Command Staff, and Union Representatives, to ensure that the collaborative management process is used properly.
This team:
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Provides accurate and appropriate data necessary for making policy, procedures, plans and solutions
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Assists the Fire Chief in his duty to envision the future of the department
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Maintains a broad perspective, addressing big, department-wide issues, always with an eye to the future
Community Engagement
The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department is committed to serving the residents of Belmont, Foster City, and San Mateo. In addition to responding to fire, medical, and other emergencies, SMC Fire participates in neighborhood and community events. Each year, we actively partake in various community events, including our annual holiday toy drive, Chili Cook-off, and Open houses. We are firmly committed to the safety and security for all residents of our beautiful cities. Our firefighters are always ready to speak with you on any topic related to fire or life safety.
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Our Mission
Enhancing the quality of life for our community through professionalism, collaboration, and public trust.
Our Vision
Keep our promise to our community by delivering uncompromising, excellent, and professional service as a progressive leader in the fire service.
Our Values
Respect ▪ Compassion ▪ Integrity ▪ Dedication ▪ Innovation