Tuolumne County Fire Department Station 58

And the Cedar Ridge Volunteer Fire Company

of the Tuolumne County Fire Department

Needs more Volunteer Firefighters.

WHY? Cedar Ridge is prone to wildfire. Structure fires and medical emergencies occur without respect to time or place. No one is paid to be at the Cedar Ridge Firehouse, but TCFD fire engines are ready for use. The closest paid station is in Twain Harte. Travel from there is too long for many medical and fire emergencies endangering lives and homes. Local Volunteer Firefighters are quickly paged by radio. Each is unpaid with other jobs and responsibilities. We can only assure quick, sufficient response by having several trained Volunteer Firefighters. Presently, we have 5 Firefighters and 1 trainee. To reliably fill our six engine seats, our goal is 18 firefighters!

WHAT ARE THE REWARDS? Volunteer Firefighters get satisfaction serving the community. Each knows that their own home and family are better protected. Many young people gain valuable training and experience through volunteer firefighting. All volunteers enjoy the fellowship, challenge and excitement of this responsibility. TCFD pays qualified volunteers an annual stipend of $1000 (more for drivers and officers), and a $100,000 Whole Life insurance policy. TCFD also pays reimbursements against certain expenses and workman’s compensation benefits. Cal Fire and OES regularly pay TCFD Volunteer Firefighters hourly wages for state responsibility fires. The CRVFC and the Ladies Auxiliary of the CRVFC provide additional assistance including: membership at Dogwood Lake, boot allowances, and other needs not covered by the TCFD.

WHO MAY BECOME A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER? Healthy adults over 18 years may apply to begin training. You must pass a medical examination and be physically fit, but the department does not have extreme fitness or agility requirements. You must have a valid California driver’s license. A poor driving or criminal record may keep you out. Nearly 200 hours of initial training is required for Firefighters in the first year, and they must regularly renew required certificates and participate in monthly training and drills.

WHAT IS TUOLUMNE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT? TCFD is established by the County Board of Supervisors to serve the entire County (and, through mutual aid, the City of Sonora, special fire protection districts, and all of the state.) TCFD operates 11 fire stations, with volunteers and a handful of employees. TCFD jurisdiction covers 95% of the county (excluding federal lands) and includes our own initial response area of Cedar Ridge, Comstock Ranch and the Big Hill Area.

WHO ADMINISTERS TCFD? Cal Fire supervises the department. The County directly pays mechanics, fire prevention/planning officers and a clerk. Contracted services from Cal Fire include paid firefighters at a few stations, dispatch service, a radio system, training, and shared facilities such as offices and shops. TCFD enjoys cooperative fire response, integrated command and communications with Cal Fire, and all local jurisdictions. This means scheduled and immediate access to all local and state resources including experienced incident commanders and firefighters, engines, hand crews and air support.

For more information contact: Call the Cedar Ridge Station and leave a message for Captain David Skoken at 209-586-7233 or call TCFD prevention/recruiting at 209-533-5501.

If you are serious about joining: Pick up an Application from the TCFD Administrative office at 18440 Striker Court Sonora, CA 95370 or visit online at: Tuolumne County Fire Department

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
at Station 58 (Cedar Ridge) of the
TUOLUMNE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

  • TRAINING IN FIREFIGHTING AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE
  • A RADIO PAGER (provided by the county to wake you and disrupt movies, etc.)
  • COMPLETE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (issued by the County)
  • WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION AND LINE OF DUTY DEATH BENEFITS (Wouldn’t let you do this without this protection paid by the County)
  • UNIFORM SHIRTS AND PATCHES (CRVFC and Ladies Auxiliary fund)
  • REIMBURSEMENT OF BASIC TRAINING EXPENSE (after completion of Academy)
  • TCFD TRAINING and RESPONSE STIPEND ($250 quarterly for qualifying volunteers.)
  • OCCASIONAL HIRE FOR CDF, USFS OR OES FIRES (Pay rate varies by jurisdiction.)
  • LIFE INSURANCE (To provide each firefighter and survivors with investment benefits)
  • DOGWOOD LAKE MEMBERSHIP for the entire family
  • ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET to recognize service and achievements.
  • CAMARADERIE WITH A VARIETY OF COOL DUDES (and some old men)
  • UNLIMITED PARKING AT THE FIREHOUSE (between the lines, please) (and some old men)
  • ALL THE SODA, BOTTLED WATER AND GATORADE YOU CAN DRINK
  • TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES (at any time, to any place in smoky California)
  • PLAY WITH LIFE SIZE FIRE ENGINES (with a 1250 GPM squirt gun)
  • RIDE IN FIRE ENGINE WITH LIGHTS AND SIREN (seat belt too, please)
  • ADMIRATION FROM SMALL CHILDREN (and the attention of every dog)
  • USE OF THE SNOW-BLOWER (we want your, driveway open right after the firehouse)
  • FITNESS TRAINING (we provide the motive, you provide the effort)
  • SLEEPLESS NIGHTS, BLISTERS, BRUISES, HEAT EXHAUSTION, POISON OAK (Oops!)