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.
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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.
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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.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
HUGH F. MORRIS SPECIAL MERIT MEDAL
Hugh F. Morris became the 1st full-time paid Fire Chief of the fire department on January 1, 1925. Chief Morris fought for more staff, training, equipment, and fire stations. He targeted improvements in training, fire prevention, and an alarm-receiving system. This medal is awarded to an employee for performing meritorious work in one of the following: (1) community service work; (2) outside volunteer services; or (3) day-to-day excellence. It may be awarded in conjunction with the Fire Chief's Commendation, which is granted by the Fire Action Consensus Team (FACT). Recipients of the award are listed below in red.
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. Recipients of the award are listed below in blue.
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To learn more about San Mateo Consolidated Fire's Cadet Program, visit www.smcfire.org/cadet-program.
2019
TBD - Hugh F. Morris Special Merit Medal
Adan Pena
2018
Mark Volkman - Day-to-Day Excellence
John Bruni
2017
Lance Lutticken - Day-to-Day Excellence
Marco Calderon
2016
Robert G. Cook - Community Service
James DiVincenzi
2015
Andrew J. Martinez - Community Service
Paul Henretty - Day-to-Day Excellence
Colin Taylor
2014
Josh G. McGurk - Community Service
Kirk Steers - Day-to-Day Excellence
Eduardo Maya
1993
Jeffrey M. Barile - Community Service
Joseph R. Latham - Bravery
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1992
Joseph T. Novelli - Community Service
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1991
Sean P. Bonetti - Bravery
Michael W. Keefe - Community Service
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1990
John S. Warren - Community Service
William E. Calkins - Bravery
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