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Board honors Sutter County Fire, proclaims First Responder Wellness Week
Summary
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors accepted a plaque from the Firefighters Burn Institute recognizing Sutter County Fire’s 12 years of fundraising and proclaimed March 24–28, 2025 as First Responder Wellness Week, highlighting mental-health supports for first responders.
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors recognized Sutter County Fire on March 25, accepting a plaque from the Firefighters Burn Institute for 12 years of local fundraising and community outreach.
Carlos Del Rio, battalion chief with Sutter County Fire, described the department's long-running charity event supporting burn victims and its partnership with the Yuba College Fire Academy. "For the past 12 years, we've been hosting this charity event to support burn victims," Del Rio said, adding that the department conducts community education and youth programs outside of paid duty.
Joe Pick, executive director of the Firefighters Burn Institute, outlined the institute's history and its support for regional burn care at UC Davis and Shriners Hospital. Pick said the local fundraising has contributed roughly $112,000 over the last 12 years and thanked Sutter County Fire and Yuba College cadets for their support. "If any member of your community has a burn…resources that we have for those individuals are available," Pick said.
The board also proclaimed March 24–28, 2025 as First Responder Wellness Week in Sutter County, noting the physical and mental health risks first responders face and the value of post-incident peer support and debriefing. A representative from the sheriff’s office and other public-safety speakers described improved critical-incident debriefing practices and cross-agency support mechanisms.
Fire Captain Aaron Hallmark shared a personal account of post-traumatic stress disorder after repeated responses to severe vehicle collisions and argued against single-person station staffing. "I started having symptoms…and I finally sought therapy and…was diagnosed…with post traumatic stress disorder," Hallmark said, urging the county to address staffing and support to protect firefighters and their families.
The board applauded the department and its volunteers and directed staff to continue exploring funding avenues for fire services.
The board adjourned later in the meeting with no formal action taken on fire staffing; follow-up on funding efforts will proceed through staff reports and grant applications.
