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CAL FIRE battalion chief reports 2,944 responses in 2025 and Measure B purchases for rescue equipment
Summary
CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Randall reported 2,944 responses so far in 2025, use of the Lucas device 16 times with four patients discharged, two open positions, the Type 6 engine nearing completion, and Measure B purchases including airbags and public‑education supplies.
Battalion Chief Randall, providing the CAL FIRE update, said the department recorded 2,944 responses in 2025 from both stations. He said the Lucas mechanical CPR device had been used 16 times during the year and that four patients were discharged from hospital with their recovery attributed in part to that device.
Randall said two positions remain open — one fire apparatus engineer and one firefighter II — and that one engineer had been promoted to a captain at another location. He described a Type 6 engine at High‑Tech Apparatus in Oakdale as in final assembly, with doors, tools, radios and pump installed and ready for final details. He said the Type 1 engine remains on schedule for mid‑2027.
On purchases, Randall said Measure B funds were used to buy airbags ($5,270.33) and public education supplies ($1,070), and he listed minor equipment purchases and planned procurement for rescue and extrication tools, recruitment and reserve firefighter retention items. He told the committee the fire marshal’s office continues annual inspections of multifamily complexes and businesses and that public‑education events continued through the quarter.
Committee members asked about the ladder truck’s reliability and whether replacement plans were under way; Randall said operator error had caused some recent damage but that county mechanic agreements had shortened repair turnaround times and avoided lengthy out‑of‑county repairs.
