July 22, 2024 Newsletter
![Four firefighters in uniform standing in a row beside US and California state flags.](https://streamline.imgix.net/a4481a17-bdf7-4566-98b8-3beef0db1432/9c541ed6-66e6-4fee-a889-fb855ff82767/Engineer%20Promotion%20Photo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=4a75c8e3cf7bbdd463c6b08327d9bda8)
Engineer Promotions
We are proud to announce the promotions of Erik Padilla, Joseph Young and Tyler Bowman to the rank of Engineer. Responsibilities of an Engineer include driving to the scene of an emergency, operating the fire engine to pump water into fire hoses, and ensuring all apparatus are response-ready. These three were recognized by their family, friends, and coworkers at a ceremony held at the Geyserville Fire Station on July 20th.
![Engineer Tyler Bowman smiling with arms crossed](https://streamline.imgix.net/a4481a17-bdf7-4566-98b8-3beef0db1432/e962b6b2-38ba-4bb0-9421-ac6e54d25a72/Northern%20So%20Co%20Fire%202%20(1%20of%2058)%20(1).jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=de5040298ca4abd2fe53fb83001af295)
![Engineer Erik Padilla smiling with arms crossed](https://streamline.imgix.net/a4481a17-bdf7-4566-98b8-3beef0db1432/46196231-3c5c-4f6c-9ffe-9401fcea6d00/Padilla.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=104a79dbfaeaf38f273b3426c4d3b67d)
![Engineer Joe Young smiling with arms crossed](https://streamline.imgix.net/a4481a17-bdf7-4566-98b8-3beef0db1432/110c1a50-ca13-4aa0-8bda-0378046a19ab/Young.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&w=2000&h=2000&fit=max&or=0&s=ab23495d8969e33cfd0dc882bf2b18ee)
Expanded Emergency Medical Services
In June the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District voted to fund an advanced life support (ALS) quick response vehicle (QRV) and sign an agreement with Bell's Ambulance to provide additional ALS or basic life support (BLS) ambulance(s) during "peak demand" periods. These developments will provide the following benefits:
- Additional ambulance(s) for medical emergency response to decrease ambulance response times when simultaneous/overlapping medical emergencies occur.
- Decrease response times for medical emergencies requiring more than one ambulance such as vehicle accidents with multiple patients.
- Decrease fire apparatus mileage (and maintenance costs) when ambulance arrives first and does not need firefighter response.
- Increase firefighter availability for fires and other calls for service requiring firefighter response.
- Provide medical training to District employees and community members.
CPR and First Aid Classes
Northern Sonoma County Fire offers free CPR and first aid classes to the public. These are classroom-based courses that focus on basic skills and techniques. These classes are intended for general knowledege and do not include professional certification. Click here to sign up.
Alexander Valley Fire Station
The Alexander Valley Fire Station recently underwent a major renovation, including new siding, roofing, windows and doors. The facility will continue to be used to support volunteer firefighters and as a staging location for increased staffing during weather-related events. The District's goal remains to build and staff another fire station in the Alexander Valley/Knights Valley area.
Staffing Updates
Seasonal Firefighters
Northern Sonoma County Fire recently brought on 6 seasonal firefighters: Rose Pattenaude, Keaton Mohar, Daniel Jacquez, Zakary Leandro, Mitchell Robertson and Jason Moran. This increases the number of on-duty firefighters each day during the busiest months of the year, allows for staffing mulitple engines, and enables us to better assist neighboring agencies.
Administrative Assistant
In May, the District added a second administative position with the hiring of Administrative Assistant Ashlee Romero. Ashlee's job duties include bookkeeping, payroll, and other clerical and administrative tasks.
Vegetation Management "Fuels Crew"
The Fuels Crew is currently hiring both part-time and full-time crew members. Fuels Crew members are responsible for operating chainsaws and chippers for vegetation management projects to reduce wildfire risk. Click here for more information and to access our application.