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.
FIELD OPERATIONS
Operations (OPS) - Suppression
The Operations Division responds to “all hazards” in the community. Personnel must be prepared for fires, explosions, trauma/medical related incidents, hazardous materials releases, transportation related accidents, natural and man-made disasters, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and the rescue of trapped victims. This division also responds to all manner of non-emergency calls for service to assist citizens when there is no one else available to provide assistance. These calls include pumping flooded basements, securing downed wires, and seeking out the source of potentially dangerous odors or other similarly related calls for service.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
We are responsible for providing:
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Basic Emergency Medical support/care
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Paramedic based Advanced Life Support
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Automatic External Defibrillation (AED)
EMS guidelines are managed through a number of programs, including:
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Standing orders
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Policies and procedures
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In-service training
Continuing education programs for both EMT's and Paramedics ensure that personnel are trained to appropriate knowledge and skill levels.
Emergency Response
San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department's emergency calls for service are in excess of 13,500 times a year.
The goal for San Mateo County Fire Service is to respond to 90% of all Priority 1, emergency calls in six minutes 59 seconds (6:59) or less.
Matt Turturici
Interim Deputy Fire Chief
Administration Offices
1040 E. Hillsdale Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404
(650)-522-7901
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON TRAINING PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
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