ALAMEDA COUNTY
Alameda County Fire Department
6363 Clark Avenue • Dublin, CA 94568 • fire.acgov.org
Ter (925) 833-3473 - (510) 632-3423 Fax (925) 875-9387
DEPARTME
WILLIAM L. McDONALD November 6, 2025
Fire Chief
SERVING: City of Union City
Joan Malloy, City Manager
City of Dublin
34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
City of Emeryville Union City, CA 94587
City of Newark
SUBJECT: City Council Request for a Two-Person Emergency Medical City of San Leandro
Response
City of Union City
Lawrence Berkeley Dear City Manager Malloy,
National Laboratory
Lawrence Livermore
The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) respectfully submits this proposal National Laboratory
to the Mayor and City Council of Union City to enhance emergency response Unincorporated Areas
of Alameda County capabilities within the community. This proposal outlines a plan to implement a dedicated Rescue Squad during peak operational hours to address increasing Alameda County
Regional Emergency service demands, improve response times, and strengthen public safety. The Communications Center
"Accredited Center following sections provide background information, challenges, and proposed of Excellence" solutions to support this initiative.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
The ACFD consolidated with Union City Fire on July 1, 2010. In 2019, Union City's Council members voted to close Fire Station 30 (District 30) due to budgetary challenges and sought to save 3.2 million dollars annually. The closing of Fire Station 30 on January 15, 2020, resulted in coverage challenges for the three remaining fire stations covering 19.40 square miles, and fire districts 30, 31, 32, and 33.
Union City is currently served by two engine companies and one truck company across four districts, Fire Engine 32, Fire Engine 33, and Truck 31 as primary response units, with three personnel assigned to each apparatus. These apparatuses have consistently provided high-quality service to the community, responding to a wide range of emergencies including fires, medical calls, vehicle accidents, and technical rescues. With the city's continued growth and the increasing complexity and frequency of significant incidents-such as multi- patient medical emergencies, vehicle extrications, and specialized rescue operations during peak hours, there is a notable need for additional resources.
DEDICATED TO SUPERIOR SERVICE
CHALLENGES
Significant emergency incidents —such as a CPR in progress, a traffic collision, or a smoke investigation at a target hazard (e.g., facilities with elevated fire risk such as chemical labs or schools)—a minimum two-engine response is typically required. This level of deployment leaves only one remaining fire apparatus available to serve the entire city, significantly reducing overall coverage and response capacity and potentially delaying service to other calls.
The addition of a dedicated Rescue Squad would provide critical and essential support to existing fire units, improve response times, operational efficiency, and overall public safety to the residents of Union City.
Strategically deploying the Rescue Squad within the city would allow for quicker response to high-acuity incidents and reduce strain on existing apparatuses. This addition aligns with best practices in urban fire-rescue operations and supports the department's mission to protect life, property, and the environment.
A peak hour staffing model would support having two on duty AFD fire personnel responding to EMS incidents within Union City during peak hours. Allowing two existing Engine Companies (31 & 32) and one Truck company (T-31) to be more available for additional emergent responses within the city.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The ACFD is respectfully proposing a staffing model to Union City's City Council members supporting Rescue Squad 33, staffed by ACD personnel, to respond to both Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) medical emergencies during peak hours.
City Council's request for two additional EMT's during peak hours of medical calls can be achieved in several ways with the following proposed for Rescue Squad services in Union City.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS / BENEFITS
To meet the City Council's request, the AFD proposes staffing a Rescue Squad in Union City during peak hours. The unit would consist of:
• Two Firefighter/EMTs
• Firefighter/EMT at Step 5 hourly rate is $54.41 (56-hour week), • Fully loaded rate is $91.81 (Benefits)
• Firefighter/EMT at Step 5 staff assignment hourly rate is $81.89 (40-hour week), • Fully loaded hourly rate is $134.25
Option 1: 40-Hour Rescue Squad
Two-person Rescue Squad assigned to a 40-hour workweek (four 10-hour shifts) operating during peak hours Wednesday through Saturday. 40-hour week employees are to be paid at fully loaded rates including benefits and applicable specialty pay. In this proposal, we include 4.11% EMT pay.
Shifts:
Standard: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, or
• Alternate: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Staffing: Personnel would be re-assigned on a 40-hour workweek, not staffed with overtime; discussions are ongoing with Local 55 to establish a mutually beneficial model.
This model is sustainable for approximately eight months under current budget and staffing conditions, delivers additional resources for high acuity incidents and improves overall response times.
40-hour Rescue Squad Hourly rate Monthly cost Duration of provided service
2 Firefighter/EMTs $134.25 $46,540.33 8 months
Option 2: Voluntary Overtime Staffing - 4th Firefighter on Truck 31 This proposal, supported by Local 55, involves staffing one Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) firefighter as a 4th crew member on Truck 31, using voluntary overtime only (no mandatory overtime).
Staffing Model:
• One FTE assigned to Truck 31
• Coverage for three 24-hour shifts (aligned with coverage for A, B, and C-Shift.) Overtime Rate: $81.62 per hour
• Duration: This model is sustainable for approximately 6 months under current funding and voluntary overtime availability.
This approach provides enhanced staffing on select shifts without requiring permanent additions to the workforce, however; does not provide additional resources throughout the city or reduce response times.
The above calculation is assuming ACFD assign 1 FTE as the 4th personnel on Truck 31 for 3 shifts only on overtime basis, without changing allocation model.
Estimated $400,000 in
FY 25-26 OT terms of # of
Scenario# Hours per year Rate Annual Cost Monthly Cost Months 24-hour, 3 shifts (24
*365*2/3=5840 hours) 8760 $ 81.62 $ 714,991.20 $ 59,582.60 6.71
FINANCING
The ACFD is committed to managing resources effectively and efficiently, while continuing to provide excellent service to partner cities and the communities we serve.
Projected cost of resources are as follows:
• Leased emergency vehicle (e.g., Ford F-150), ACD will provide fully equipped Ford F-150 at a flat monthly rate
Radios (2 handheld and 1 mounted), including monthly radio maintenance charge Electronic reporting tools (Tablet Command)
• Medical equipment, leased monthly
• Cell Phone
Resource Cost
Vehicle Ford F-150 $ 1,000.00
Consumables $ 200.00
Radios $ 100.00
EMS Equipment $ 250.00
Tablet Command $ 100.00
Cell Phone $ 75.00
Estimated Total Monthly $ 1,725.00
Total cost with staff and resources:
Option 1 - Eight Month Sustainability
Resource Cost
2 Firefighter/EMTS $46,540.33
Vehicle Ford F-150 $ 1,000.00
Consumables $ 200.00
Radios $ 100.00
EMS Equipment $ 250.00
Tablet Command $ 100.00
Cell Phone $ 75.00
Estimated Total Monthly $48,265.33
During peak hours, under Option 1, the proposed Rescue Squad would be housed at ACFD's Fire Station 33, located at 33942 7th St, Union City as the primary location for staging and equipment services, with the opportunity to stage at additional Fire Stations in Union City during operating hours.
Option 2 supports only voluntary overtime staffing, with a 4th firefighter on Truck 31, and excludes mandatory overtime staffing.
In conclusion, the Alameda County Fire Department strives to provide superior customer service and community safety. We respectfully submit this proposal for consideration and thank the Council for its support and oversight.
Sincerely
Lia THaN
William McDonald
Fire Chief