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.
CADET PROGRAM
About Cadet Program
The Cadet Program is a work experience program in conjunction with San Mateo Community College’s Cooperative Education Programs. The one year program allows students to earn college credits by ride-along experience and required volunteer time for California State Firefighter I Certificate. The Cadets can earn 1 unit of college credit for every 60 hours of participation. Up to 4 units a semester can be earned toward degree.
Each year, a cadet is nominated for going above and beyond in our organization. In addition to completing their required training and mandatory hour requirements, they demonstrate exemplary dedication by volunteering countless hours to the department and by displaying a high level of overall professionalism, enthusiasm, and compassion. Recipients of the award are listed below in blue.
Cadet Program Requirements
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Prospective Candidates must possess an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
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Currently enrolled or have completed an accredited Firefighter I Academy
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Possess a valid Driver's License
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Be at least 18 years of age
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Cadets must ride-along minimum of 48 hours per month and complete 5 hours per month in either: Fire Administration, Fire Prevention Bureau, or Fire Training Division
Application Process
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Candidates must submit a Fire Department Employment Application and resume between October 1st and October 15th.
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Applications and resumes shall be mailed or hand delivered to the following address:
San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department - Administration Office
C/O Cadet Program
1040 East Hillsdale Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404
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Candidates that possess the required qualifications will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview.
Cadet of the Year
Each year, a cadet is nominated for going above and beyond in our organization. In addition to completing their required training and mandatory hour requirements, they demonstrate exemplary dedication by volunteering countless hours to the department and by displaying a high level of overall professionalism, enthusiasm, and compassion. To view the list of award recipients, please visit our Employee Recognition page.
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