City of Cathedral City
Fire Chief Retirement
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been my honor to serve as the Fire Chief for the City of Cathedral City during the past five years. I will be retiring effective May 28, 2020 and relocating to Mesa Arizona where our families live.
My wife Pam and I have enjoyed living in the City and being active in the community.
As I reflect back on 2015 - 2020, the Cathedral City Fire Department (F.D.) has made significant improvements on how it provides protection and services for the residents, businesses and visitors.
The F.D. is proud to provide ambulance transport, emergency medical services, emergency management, fire prevention / public education, and fire protection in the city.
Strategic plans were developed for the F.D. through a collaborative labor and management process for the periods of 2015 - 2019 and 2019 - 2023.
Supported by the City Council and City Manager, F.D. staffing was added through cannabis revenues (four firefighters and one fire inspector), by an award of a federal three-year grant (6 firefighters) to provide fourteen on-duty firefighters / EMS personnel among the three fire station locations.
Personnel Services recruited diverse and talented employees, including the hiring of local residents and bilingual individuals, who reflect the community.
Community Services were enhanced by engine / truck company personnel conducting fire inspections and providing public education at schools and community events. Additionally, the 2019 Building and Fire Codes being adopted by the City Council to provide built-in life safety and fire protection for new buildings.
Emergency Management developed a 2017 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (updated every five years and part of the City General Plan update), a 2020 Emergency Operations Plan (revised every five years), improved the City’s Emergency Operations Center, and managed the COVID-19 pandemic.
Support Services implemented fire apparatus replacement of a 2020 Command vehicle, a 2020 Fire Inspector vehicle, and a 2020 Fire Engine (scheduled for delivery in June 2020.)
A new fire station is under construction at Date Palm Dr. and Buddy Rogers Ave. to replace an aging fire facility, which is located on the site of the future Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Casino. The new fire station is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2020.
The men and women of the fire department are proud to deliver efficient and effective emergency and support services to the community. I am thankful to have been part of the accomplishments during the past five years.
In parting, I share with you the words of Bob Dylan,
May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation,
When the winds of change shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young.
Our Mission
The Cathedral City Fire Department is Committed to Preserving Life, Environment and Property Through Quality Emergency Response and Service
Our Values
Compassion - Honesty - Integrity - Professionalism
For Emergencies Dial 9-1-1
Cathedral City Firefighters CARE
