The Fire Department provides all risk emergency services, as well as public education programs, fire prevention, and life safety measures to the Cities residents. These services support the Fire Department's mission of effectively preserving lives and protecting property. The department provides Emergency Services, which include pre-hospital emergency medical services at the Emergency Medical Technician-Defibrillator (EMT-D) level; response to structural, vehicular and vegetation fires, hazardous materials response, water rescue, trench rescue, public assistance and other emergencies. The department also administers a hazardous materials business plan program in cooperation with Santa Barbara County.

Fire Department Organization Chart

The Fire Chief is responsible for policy and general direction for the Fire Department; provides administrative support for senior fire management staff, and actively participates as a member of the City management team. The Chief represents the City regarding fire and life safety issues on a regional and statewide basis. Additionally, the Chiefs' office provides financial oversight, advanced planning, intra agency coordination, and deals with issues of Community concern.

Mission Statement The principle mission of the Santa Maria Fire Department is the preservation of life and the protection of property within the City of Santa Maria. Our services will be delivered in the most efficient, cost-effective, and professional manner possible.

2009-10 Goals/Objectives

1. Enhance public safety and emergency response times in the northwest section of the City by working with the Department of Public Works on completing the design phase and initiate the call for bids on the construction of the northwest Fire Station located at Preisker Park
2. Work with the City Manager's Office to develop a work plan and identify funding sources to finance the required personnel resources needed to staff a future northeast fire station near Donovan and Suey roads.
3. Advance the City's emergency preparedness abilities by collaborating with the Department of Public Works to construct and complete an operational Emergency Operations Center support facility adjacent to Fire Station 1.
4. Continue to work on the Emergency Management Plan that includes operating and training components as part of the overall plan of the City as well as integrates the Orfalea Foundation Aware and Prepare Initiative.
5. Work in concert with representatives of the City Manager's Office to develop a "Continuity of Government Plan" that identifies essential City services required to be provided during a pandemic-type of event.
6. Analyze the effectiveness of the department's Succession Planning Program and prepare a report with recommendations to address the department's organizational needs taking into consideration the City's financial condition.
7. Work with representatives of the firefighters' union Local 2020 to establish key components for a viable Risk Management Prevention program.
8. Analyze the effectiveness of the department's participation in the Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Urban Search and Rescue Regional Task Force.
9. Assess the benefits of developing a partnership with local agencies, for providing cost effective service delivery in fire dispatch services.
10. Begin preparations for an Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluation on the department's fire-fighting capabilities to determine the City's fire suppression rating.