Organized origionally in 1889 as a
volunteer fire department, it became a fire
department in 1926 and was reorganized in 1965.
The district itself covers approximately 40
square miles and includes the City of Half Moon
Bay and a large unicorporated area, which
includes Princeton, Miramar and El Granada,
serving 30,000 residents.
The Half Moon Bay Fire District also provides
fire protection and amdinistrative services to
the Point Montara Fire Protection District under
a contractual agreement. This agreement includes
maintaining an advanced life support paramedic
on the Point Montara fire engine at all
times.
A five member Board of Directors, elected to four year terms, establishes policy for the Half Moon Bay Fire District. The present Board consists of Gary Burke, Jerry Donovan, David Eufusia, Lane Lees and Bert Silva
The District employees a staff of 41 which
includes the Fire Chief, 3 Division Chiefs, a
Mechanic/Fire Inspector, 2 Administrative
Secrataries, an Administarive Assistant, 3 EMT
Ambulance Drivers, 9 Captains,and 22
Firefighters. Twenty-one of the current line
personnel are advanced life support paramedics.
There are also 25 active volunteers who serve
the District without compensation. This group
responds to major incidents and provides station
coverage.
The District provides three staffed engine
companies operating from three fire stations
(which includes the Point Montara Fire Station).
An ambulance is also staffed and a second
ambulance is available on an "on call" basis.
The engine companies and the ambulances are each
staffed with atleast one paramedic.
In addition to traditional fire department
services, the District provides cliff rescue,
water rescue and ambulance transport services.
The District responds to approximately 2300
calls for service each year.