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Mayor highlights public safety staffing increases, Fire Rescue response totals and prevention programs

Mayor (unnamed in transcript) · January 28, 2026

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Summary

The mayor said Vista Fire Rescue personnel increased from 85 to 117, the Vista Sheriff’s Office grew from 84 to 89 deputies, Fire Rescue responded to 17,953 incidents in 2025, and the city launched prevention programs including a smoke alarm initiative.

The mayor emphasized investments in public safety and prevention programs as a central result of Vista’s fiscal policy.

The speech said Vista Fire Rescue staffing rose from 85 personnel to 117, and the city added a city-initiated emergency medical technician program in 2023. The mayor also said the Vista Sheriff's Office staffing increased from 84 deputies in 2014 to 89 in 2026. The address noted the city expanded its emergency vehicle fleet with 16 new vehicles.

On emergency response, the mayor reported Vista Fire Rescue responded to 17,953 incidents in 2025 and described ongoing Fire Prevention Bureau work on inspections, vegetation management and safety education. The mayor also announced the 'Safe and Sound' smoke alarm program, offering free smoke alarms and installation to some at-risk residents.

The mayor commended a Vista Sheriff's deputy identified in the speech as Jason Malson (the transcript later refers to 'Deputy Mausen') for work on impaired-driver enforcement and an award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving; the mayor stressed that DUI enforcement is a priority. The speech also referenced reopening a Sheriff's storefront office housing the gang enforcement team.

The address did not include operational budget breakdowns, specific program eligibility rules, or vote tallies for staffing changes.