Annual
Report
2023
Presented By :
Bradley Dandridge
Fire Chief
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Attachment A
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
I proudly present to you this 2023 annual
report. The data reported here reflects the high
performance and deep commitment of the
Santa Maria Fire Department members. The
provided data consists of incident response
counts, highlights of our accomplishments
throughout the past year, and profiles of some
outstanding personnel who have made
significant sacrifices. Department members
continually ensure the residents and visitors of
the City of Santa Maria receive exceptional and
high-quality service from its fire department.
Fire Chief’s Message:
Progress continues in service delivery, staffing,
and equipment. The department filled several
open administration positions, including
Administrative Battalion Chief, Training Captain,
Civilian Training Coordinator, and Civilian Safety
Coordinator. These new hires help standardize
and document the training delivered, ensuring
the safety and well-being of the field personnel.
Additionally, a fourth staff fire inspector was
added, securing the needs of the Prevention
division and providing active assistance with
the increasing construction growth of the city.
Several new apparatuses are now in service,
including a new Type 1 Engine, Battalion Chief,
and prevention vehicles. In anticipation of our
future needs, two additional Type 1 engines,
one ladder truck, and two Type 6 engines have
been ordered.
This department's success is due to its
members' dedication, the strong
community partnerships, and the unfailing
support of the community, Mayor, City
Council, and City Manager.
As your Fire Chief, I am honored to lead
the Santa Maria Fire Department and its
members. The department will maintain
the current momentum as 2024 unfolds.
Through the strength of our people, we
will be providing excellent service to our
community, no matter what the year
holds for us.
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Our
Vision
Our
Mission
We are an organization that:
is a regional leader in all-risk services
provided to our community, our
stakeholders, and our peers.
collaborates effectively with internal and
external partners.
achieves excellence and professional
growth within our workforce.
provides resources that serve the diverse
nature of our community.
is a trusted and compassionate partner.
Risk Prevention1
Disaster Preparedness2
Emergency Services3
We are committed to enhanced
public safety through:
Our Values
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
believe in being future
focused through continuous
improvement and innovation.
are committed to being
prudent stewards of the
resources provided.
put others first with pride,
honor, and integrity.
believe in the value of
teamwork.
recognize that each person in
the department is a vital
member of a family that
values honesty, fairness,
respect, and openness.
believe our members are our
most valuable resource. We
are committed to providing
the best wellness programs
for our members health and
operational readiness.
support continued excellence
in recruitment, training, and
career development.
Please visit the Santa Maria
website to review a list of our
2023-2024 Goals and Objectives!
www.cityofsantamaria
WE:
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Organizational Chart
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Retired Firefighter
Upon achieving the rank of Engineer,
Kevin was reassigned to Fire Station
3, where he seamlessly integrated
his skills and expertise. His
adaptability and leadership qualities
further enriched the operational
efficiency of the station.
Engineer Kevin Raimer's journey from
a distinguished military career to his
previous role within our department
is a testament to his commitment
and versatility. We are grateful for
his years of service. Good luck in
retirement Kevin. You will be missed!
Engineer Kevin Raimer joined our
organization in February 2011, bringing
with him an extensive 20-year career in
the US Coast Guard. His tenure with our
department was marked by dedication,
resilience, and a wealth of experience.
Kevin's notable contributions were
initially observed at Fire Station 5, where
he served with distinction for the majority
of his career. His commitment to
excellence and continuous professional
development culminated in his promotion
to the position of Engineer in 2022.
Kevin Raimer
Engineer
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Promotions
Promotions are a testament to the outstanding skills and leadership brought to the team. The firefighting community is fortunate to have individuals who consistently go above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Congratulations to all on this well- deserved accomplishment!
James
Clayton
Matthew
Fawcett
EngineerDeputy Fire
Chief
Andrew
Garcia
Engineer
Bradley
Dandridge
Fire Chief
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
New Hires
The growth in administrative positions
within the Santa Maria Fire
Department marks a progressive step
toward a more robust and efficient
organization. We anticipate that these
strategic additions will contribute
significantly to our overall mission of
safeguarding lives and property.
The Santa Maria Fire Department has
experienced substantial growth in its
administrative structure, reinforcing
our commitment to excellence in fire
services. This expansion is reflective
of our dedication to enhancing
organizational efficiency, training
capabilities, and civilian safety
coordination.
Bradley
Dandridge
Andrew
Klein
Ian
Root
Fire Chief FirefighterFirefighter
Kevin
Vasquez
Firefighter
Victor
Torres
Natali
Aguilar
Carla
Osborn
Fire Inspector TrainingSafety
A Year in Review
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
2023
Mutual Aid
Provided
133 Calls
__________________
Mutual Aid
Received
25 Calls
Santa Maria Fire Department had 13884 responses in 2023. Responses are defined as the number of times a unit responded. Incidents with multiple units assigned such as a structure fire may count as 1 incident but 5 responses.
Incidents Chart
Incident Type
District 14:41
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
District 25:16
District 35:31
District 45:09
District 55:17
Average
Response
Times
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
38 Building
Fires 2023
2023 Building Fires- 38
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
The Fire Department is supported 46 percent by the General Fund and 54 percent by Measure U. Through the support of Measure U, the Fire Department supports sworn and unsworn personnel. As an “all-risk” public safety agency, the Santa Maria Fire Department is responsible for: fire, rescue, emergency medical services; reduction of the community’s fire and life safety risks; prevention and investigation of fires; public safety education; and, planning, coordinating, training, and implementing the City’s Emergency Preparedness Plan. The Department fulfills these responsibilities by providing a full range of fire and life safety programs, equipment, supplies, and assets to the City of Santa Maria’s residents, businesses, visitors, and City departments and activities.
Added to that, Orlando is heavily
involved in the following:
EMS instructor for SMR
academies
Peer Support team member
GIS for Preplan Program
GIS for Hydrant maintenance
program
Technical Advisor for NAPSG
(National Alliance for Public
Safety GIS Foundation) They
basically do GIS data collection
and support for disasters all over
the US. Orlando is the West
Coast coordinator; he was deeply
involved in the Maui fires.
Additionally, Orlando developed
the first Survey 123 data collection
program for RTF 12, this was later
adapted by OES at the Camp fire
USAR recovery. This was the starting
backbone to what now is Quick
Capture, an ESRI app that is used by
all FEMA and OES USAR teams.
Congratulations, Engineer Viera and
thank you for your service.
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
“Always positive, works hard, and is
trusted on the fireground.” Anyone
who is described in this manner is
worthy of being nominated for Santa
Maria Fire Department’s Firefighter
of the Year.
Orlando Viera is a special kind of
firefighter. Not only is he able to
perform the duties of his position,
Engineer Viera has established
himself at the forefront of local and
statewide Urban Search and Rescue
technical programs.
Firefighter of the Year
His unwavering dedication and
timely response to emergency
calls, irrespective of the hour,
have greatly contributed to the
operational efficiency of our
department.
We extend our sincere
appreciation to Engineer Garcia
for his tireless efforts and
remarkable work ethic.
Responding to emergency calls
demands a high level of
professionalism, and Engineer
Garcia has exemplified this
standard with a consistently
positive attitude and a demeanor
marked by a genuine willingness
to assist.
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Employee
Acknowledgment
Throughout the year 2023,
Engineer Garcia has consistently
demonstrated an exceptional
commitment to duty by responding
to an impressive total of 1207
incidents.
Engine 1
Truck 1
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Fire
Station 1
Review
Total Responses
Engine 1: 3150
Truck 1: 1066
Avg Response Time to Building Fire
Engine 1: 4:39
Truck 1: 4:41
Avg Response Time to Medical Assist
Engine 1: 5:06
Truck 1: 5:14
300 W. Cook Street
Engine 2
USAR 2
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Fire
Station 2
Review Total Responses
Engine 2: 2599
USAR 2: 21
Avg Response Time to Building Fire
4:40
Avg Response Time to Medical Assist
5:15
416 W. Carmen Lane
Engine 3
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Fire
Station 3
Review Total Responses
Engine 3: 2651
Avg Response Time to Building Fire
4:38
Avg Response Time to Medical Assist
5:13
2305 N. Preisker Lane
Engine 4
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Fire
Station 4
Review Total Responses
Engine 4: 1713
Avg Response Time to Building Fire
4:41
Avg Response Time to Medical Assist
5:14
2637 S. College Drive
Engine 5
Engine305
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Fire
Station 5
Review Total Responses
Engine 5: 2562
Engine 305: 37
Avg Response Time to Building Fire
4:45
Avg Response Time to Medical Assist
4:59
1670 E. Donovan Road
ARFF 6
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Fire
Station 6
Review
Total Responses
ARFF 6: 132
Battalion Chiefs Responses
Battalion 1: 25
Battalion 2: 202
Battalion 3: 186
Battalion 4: 221
Battalion 5: 63
Avg Response Time to Building Fire
N/A
Avg Response Time to Medical Assist
N/A
3339 Terminal Drive
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Training
The Santa Maria Fire Department is an All Hazard, All Risk Fire Department.
This requires personnel to be proficient in multiple disciplines in several different categories. These can be broadly categorized into Firefighting, Emergency Medical, and Special Operations.
In 2023, Santa Maria Firefighters logged over 18,000 hours of department- sponsored training, not including hours spent preparing for promotions and special certifications in their off hours.
Each member is expected to perform a minimum of 240 hours of training annually, comprised of Federal, State, and Local mandates and specialized training pertinent to our profession.
Some of these training categories include:
FIREFIGHTING EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SPECIAL OPERATIONS PREVENTION
Structural
Firefighting EMT Vehicle Extrication Law and
Regulations
Wildland
Firefighting CPR
Urban Search and Rescue
(Ropes, Confined Space,
Trench, Building Collapse)
Inspections
Airport/Aircraft
Firefighting Active Shooter Hazardous Materials Plans and Reviews Contagious
Diseases Driver’s Training Investigations
Three new Firefighters completed the department’s first lateral academy. These Firefighters came to us with extensive experience and were put through a 6-week orientation academy. Upon completing the academy, they were assigned to stations receiving an additional 10 1/2 months of academic and skills assessment.
The department continued to support new members with getting their Urban Search and Rescue qualifications. This consists of 6 “core” classes that provide the knowledge needed to respond to natural or man-made disasters throughout California.
Several department members attended Peer Support training in 2023. Peer support personnel have become an integral part of the mental health sustainability of public safety departments. Our members have been used on several occasions with overwhelming success.
2023 saw the Fire Department continue to work towards the realization of Public Safety Training Complex. This project has been long desired and will be a tremendous benefit to the City’s public safety agencies but to the region as well.
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Training Accomplishments:
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
The Fire
Prevention
Team
Fire Prevention Week Event
Air Show Event
Safety First
ANNUAL INSPECTIONS
Assembly Inspections 157
R-1/R-2 Inspections 350
T-19 Inspections 117
Reinspections 475
Other Inspections 47
PERMIT INSPECTIONS
Alarm Inspections 43
Sprinkler Inspections 89
Business License Inspections 55
Fire Final Inspections 228
Temporary C of O Inspections 8
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Building Permit Related 392
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) 519
Planned Development (DRM) 99
Business License Reviews 271
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (CFC)
INSPECTIONS
Hazardous Material Inspections 198
Commercial Building Inspections 180
Operational Permit Inspections 22
Complaint Inspections 50
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Total
1146
Total423
Total1281
Total450
Fire Prevention
Statistics & Year End Totals
Complaint 1810
Deficient 237
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Accidental 30
Suspicious 19
Intentional 19
Fire Prevention
Statistics & Year End Totals
THE COMPLIANCE ENGINE (TCE)
REPORT REVIEWS
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Total2047
INVESTIGATION
Total
68 Additional Information
Of the 19 intentional fires investigated, four arrests were made. Fire Inspectors issued a total of 22 citations for illegal fireworks. Eleven citations were issued due to a successful aerial enforcement operation. Another 11 citation were issued applying the City’s Social Host Fireworks Ordinance by Fire Inspectors patrolling residential neighborhoods. Each resulted in a $1,000 fine, the maximum allowed by the Municipal Code.
Additionally, the Emergency Services Specialist conducted 47 public education programs resulting in contact with approximately 4,000 citizens. (FY2023).
In May, our members received
annual physicals.. This is the
first time in approximately 20
years that physicals have been
instituted for all members as we
seek to reduce work related
injuries and illness This was
accomplished by the hard work
of our Wellness Committee in
obtaining a grant from
Assistance for Firefighters.
In July we implemented a
program to address illegal
fireworks in our community. In
total, 22 citations for illegal
fireworks were issued. 11
citations were issued due to a
successful aerial enforcement
operation and another 11
citations we issued applying the
City’s Social Host Fireworks
Ordinance by Fire Inspectors
patrolling residential
neighborhoods. Our goal is to
reduce the threat of fires in our
community.
July3
March1
In March, we welcomed our
first-ever lateral class of new
Firefighters. These 3 members
came to us with a wealth of
experience and knowledge.
They were put through a 6
week recruit academy and then
assigned to various stations
around the city. We are happy
to have them aboard.
2 In May, our members received
annual physicals. This is the
first time in approximately 20
years that physicals have been
instituted for all members as we
seek to reduce work related
injuries and illness. This was
accomplished by the hard work
of our Wellness Committee in
obtaining an Assistance For
Firefighter Grant.
May
Highlights
SANTA MARIA FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
THANK
YOU
On behalf of the Santa Maria Fire Department, I extend our heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support from the City leadership and the community.
We have seen support from various activities, including community events, fundraising initiatives, and city-wide expressions of gratitude and encouragement. This
steadfast support has helped the department effectively carry out its mission.
The relationship between City leaders and the Santa Maria Fire Department is strong. The strength of this bond can be seen in the close-knit collaboration across an array of projects. Successfully completing these undertakings
enhances the efficacy of the department and the
community's safety.
The diligence and professionalism of the Santa Maria Fire Department reflects the support it receives daily from the community and City leaders. We are proud to be your
community first responders.
FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT!