NEWS

Salida Fire Board appoints Mark Riggins
February 16, 2018
After an intense debate between the Salida Fire District Board and several members of the community, Mark Stone made it clear that Mark Riggins should be appointed as the next Board member. Jerry DeBoer had a different opinion and others appeared to be reluctant to accept a late letter of interest to the Board, deadline was 6:00 pm and the letter was turned in at 6:45 pm. Several members of the community had voiced their opinions and so did a couple of Firefighters. In the end it was apparent that the presence of the community possibly guided the Board to make the right decision and appoint the only person that showed they cared enough to run for the seat during election and has attended every single meeting for the past several months. Please take less then 30 minutes and watch the video of the intense exchanges between the Board members, community members and the Firefighters. This is the tax payers district and the voting tax payers have not had a say or a vote in at least 50 years. As you will notice how this has been able to take place among the board without the input of the tax payers. The more you attend the meetings, the more you learn.
Congratulations Mark Riggins, we feel that you are more than qualified to be able to help get our Fire District back on track. You've run much bigger jobs and successfully. We are looking forward to another accomplishment in our future.
February 16, 2018
After an intense debate between the Salida Fire District Board and several members of the community, Mark Stone made it clear that Mark Riggins should be appointed as the next Board member. Jerry DeBoer had a different opinion and others appeared to be reluctant to accept a late letter of interest to the Board, deadline was 6:00 pm and the letter was turned in at 6:45 pm. Several members of the community had voiced their opinions and so did a couple of Firefighters. In the end it was apparent that the presence of the community possibly guided the Board to make the right decision and appoint the only person that showed they cared enough to run for the seat during election and has attended every single meeting for the past several months. Please take less then 30 minutes and watch the video of the intense exchanges between the Board members, community members and the Firefighters. This is the tax payers district and the voting tax payers have not had a say or a vote in at least 50 years. As you will notice how this has been able to take place among the board without the input of the tax payers. The more you attend the meetings, the more you learn.
Congratulations Mark Riggins, we feel that you are more than qualified to be able to help get our Fire District back on track. You've run much bigger jobs and successfully. We are looking forward to another accomplishment in our future.

Modesto Man Arrested, Plot attack on SF Pier 39
December 22, 2017
Everitt Aaron Jameson, 26 was arrested by the FBI for targeting Pier 39 for an attack on Christmas Day. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged in attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Jameson had told an undercover FBI agent he had been to Pier 39 before and knew it was a heavily crowded area, Jameson had met with a different undercover agent whom he thought was a senior leader of a foreign terrorist organization.
Jameson is a 2009 Graduate of Enochs High School and lives in Modesto Ca.
If convicted, Jameson could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
December 22, 2017
Everitt Aaron Jameson, 26 was arrested by the FBI for targeting Pier 39 for an attack on Christmas Day. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged in attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Jameson had told an undercover FBI agent he had been to Pier 39 before and knew it was a heavily crowded area, Jameson had met with a different undercover agent whom he thought was a senior leader of a foreign terrorist organization.
Jameson is a 2009 Graduate of Enochs High School and lives in Modesto Ca.
If convicted, Jameson could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
MAJOR ACCIDENT CLOSES NORTH HWY 99 SALIDA
December 13, 2017
At approximately 5:45 pm a call went out to the CHP of a major accident that closed all lanes northbound Hwy 99. There were a total of five vehicles involved and two patients with moderate injuries were transported to the local hospitals. Three cars were towed away by tow trucks, the freeway was completely closed down for approximately thirty minutes until emergency personnel was able to clear the roadway. CHP, Salida Fire and Paramedics were on scene assisting in the accident. As bad as this accident was everyone that assisted did a great job in getting it cleared so soon.
December 13, 2017
At approximately 5:45 pm a call went out to the CHP of a major accident that closed all lanes northbound Hwy 99. There were a total of five vehicles involved and two patients with moderate injuries were transported to the local hospitals. Three cars were towed away by tow trucks, the freeway was completely closed down for approximately thirty minutes until emergency personnel was able to clear the roadway. CHP, Salida Fire and Paramedics were on scene assisting in the accident. As bad as this accident was everyone that assisted did a great job in getting it cleared so soon.
SALIDA MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCK DOWN
December 8, 2017
Salida Middle School was placed on Lock down. Salida Middle School had sent out an automated call informing parents and guardians that Salida Middle School was on lock down. The following was posted by Salida Middle School
"Salida Middle School (SMS)
Emergency Information - Salida Middle School is Currently on Lockdown
Friday, December 8, 2017
2:50 pm
To: All Salida Middle School Parents
Salida Middle School is currently on lock-down.
Students are safe. The sheriff is on campus and will notify the District when it is all clear.
We will notify parents when students are ready to be picked up and dismissed from school.
Superintendent
Twila Tosh"
At 2:55pm today (12/8/17), the district was notified that there was a credible threat at Salida Middle School. The Sheriff was called and the school was put on lockdown. The sheriff has assessed the situation and has lifted the lockdown. Students will now be released. If your student rides the bus, they will be home shortly, if you pick up your student, you may do so now.
We put a call into the Sheriffs office to find out the situation at Salida Middle School and Deputy Singh did return our call and did inform us that the Sheriff's did not put Salida Middle School on lock down. Salida Middle School had placed themselves on lock down and had called the Sheriff to have them remove them from lock down. "There was a report that a child had brought a weapon to school but the Sheriff was unable to locate or find the report as credible, it was a someone told someone that told someone else and was third and forth party information and the claim was unfounded" said Deputy Singh.
Salida Middle School was removed from lock down and buses were cleared to take students home and parent's allowed to pick up their children. Thankful everyone was safe and no threats were found.
THIEF CRUISING AT CRUISERS
December 8, 2017
Cruisers was not open at their normal time this morning. Lights were off and the security bars were open. Seen a young lady knocking on the door, but no one was allowed inside as the Sheriff was on scene conducting an investigation of a break in sometime during the night. It appears they broke the window behind the register area and it would seem that the thief stole a bunch of lottery tickets. Don's Mobile glass was on scene about about to replace the window.
After all the armed and threatening robberies that have taken place late at night and early morning hours in the past, this is exactly the reason they no long have employees working those hours due to the safety of the employees. We need more than one Sheriff patrolling our community, with the arson and robberies, Salida really needs more patrols in the area. Salida is one of the biggest communities in Stanislaus County and there are cities that are smaller that have more law enforcement. The Sheriff / County needs to take the generated revenue from the Salida area and return it to Salida by means of law enforcement patrols. This is what Salida needs. We understand the County puts the revenue generated into the general fund and it covers all of the County, it's a strong suggestion since we do generate a lot of revenue. Please write your County Supervisor Terry Withrow and ask him to help out Salida, encourage the Sheriff to put more patrols in Salida.
Terry Withrow
1010 10th St. Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca. 95354
(209) 525-6560
WithrowT@StanCounty.com
December 8, 2017
Cruisers was not open at their normal time this morning. Lights were off and the security bars were open. Seen a young lady knocking on the door, but no one was allowed inside as the Sheriff was on scene conducting an investigation of a break in sometime during the night. It appears they broke the window behind the register area and it would seem that the thief stole a bunch of lottery tickets. Don's Mobile glass was on scene about about to replace the window.
After all the armed and threatening robberies that have taken place late at night and early morning hours in the past, this is exactly the reason they no long have employees working those hours due to the safety of the employees. We need more than one Sheriff patrolling our community, with the arson and robberies, Salida really needs more patrols in the area. Salida is one of the biggest communities in Stanislaus County and there are cities that are smaller that have more law enforcement. The Sheriff / County needs to take the generated revenue from the Salida area and return it to Salida by means of law enforcement patrols. This is what Salida needs. We understand the County puts the revenue generated into the general fund and it covers all of the County, it's a strong suggestion since we do generate a lot of revenue. Please write your County Supervisor Terry Withrow and ask him to help out Salida, encourage the Sheriff to put more patrols in Salida.
Terry Withrow
1010 10th St. Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca. 95354
(209) 525-6560
WithrowT@StanCounty.com

Salida residents Just said NO to drugs
December 6, 2017
Supervisor Withrow informed the residents at the Salida MAC meeting on Tuesday that the residents of Salida have spoken loud and clear and the two permits that were filed for Salida will be denied. The board of Supervisors did vote to allow 61 permits in Stanislaus County and there are stipulations and background checks for each permit. Once the process has been approved there will be inforcement of those that do not have permit. "Those that have permits will require the County to enforce the law, it will not be fair for those that have passed the permit process and paying taxes for others to have illegal grows and sales not paying taxes and taking away from those that have passed the process", said Supervisor Terry Withrow.
Several residents made statements about not putting in place that even in the future no sales or cannabis grows in Salida. "There will not be any permits allowed in Salida", said Supervisor Withrow. "What will happen when you are no longer in office and you are replaced, what will stop a cannabis grow or shop in Salida", asked one resident. Supervisor Withrow responded with there is never a guarantee what the future holds and only 61 permits will be allowed and none will be granted in Salida.
"What happens if someone wants to transfer their permit, like an alcohol permit?" asked another resident. "Permits cannot be transferred, each person has to pass a background check", said Supervisor Withrow.
Permits are not transferable and will have to be cancelled and the next person on the list will then begin the process.
December 6, 2017
Supervisor Withrow informed the residents at the Salida MAC meeting on Tuesday that the residents of Salida have spoken loud and clear and the two permits that were filed for Salida will be denied. The board of Supervisors did vote to allow 61 permits in Stanislaus County and there are stipulations and background checks for each permit. Once the process has been approved there will be inforcement of those that do not have permit. "Those that have permits will require the County to enforce the law, it will not be fair for those that have passed the permit process and paying taxes for others to have illegal grows and sales not paying taxes and taking away from those that have passed the process", said Supervisor Terry Withrow.
Several residents made statements about not putting in place that even in the future no sales or cannabis grows in Salida. "There will not be any permits allowed in Salida", said Supervisor Withrow. "What will happen when you are no longer in office and you are replaced, what will stop a cannabis grow or shop in Salida", asked one resident. Supervisor Withrow responded with there is never a guarantee what the future holds and only 61 permits will be allowed and none will be granted in Salida.
"What happens if someone wants to transfer their permit, like an alcohol permit?" asked another resident. "Permits cannot be transferred, each person has to pass a background check", said Supervisor Withrow.
Permits are not transferable and will have to be cancelled and the next person on the list will then begin the process.
PASSING THE TORCH
December 5, 2017
Today, Katherine Borges stepped down off of Salida MAC, Leng Power was Sworn in along with Amanda Sorenson.
Katherine Borges has done a wonderful job in bringing the community together and Leng Powers has lived in Salida the past seven years.
I'm really looking forward to serving the community, said Leng Powers.
We wish you the best and look forward to working with Leng Powers. Thank you for stepping up and serving the community.
Thank you, Katherine Borges for your service, you have served the community proud. We look forward to still working with you in the future, for we know your heart is in Salida.
December 5, 2017
Today, Katherine Borges stepped down off of Salida MAC, Leng Power was Sworn in along with Amanda Sorenson.
Katherine Borges has done a wonderful job in bringing the community together and Leng Powers has lived in Salida the past seven years.
I'm really looking forward to serving the community, said Leng Powers.
We wish you the best and look forward to working with Leng Powers. Thank you for stepping up and serving the community.
Thank you, Katherine Borges for your service, you have served the community proud. We look forward to still working with you in the future, for we know your heart is in Salida.
Fire Rescue on St. Francis
December 4, 2017
Today at approximately 3:35 pm, Salida Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on St. Francis ave near Tully road with a subject who was still inside that had made comments about burning his house down and had barricaded himself inside.
Neighbors could hear glass breaking and smoke coming from the residence. Fire engine personnel from Salida and Modesto Fire were (in conjunction with on scene law enforcement) able to knock the fire down and rescue the victim in the rear of the residence who suffered smoke inhalation injuries and was taken by ambulance for treatment before being released back to law enforcement custody.
The successful rescue was made by multiple factors including volunteer and paid Salida Fire staff, along with resources from Modesto Fire and local law enforcement. Fire officers had confirmed with law enforcement they were cleared to enter the structure by law enforcement for an aggressive fire attack and rescue. The fire was contained to the front of the residence with limited fire spread.
“Today we were fortunate to have a safe rescue of this individual without any incident. It was a well coordinated team effort between multiple agencies including paid and volunteer staffing” “Everyone went home safe and that’s all that matters in a situation like we had today, our dispatchers were a huge help in getting us the information we needed” said Salida Fire Captain, John Alberti. Fire damage was estimated at $50,000.00.
No firefighters were injured.
ARSON FIRE TIMES TWO
December 3, 2017
At approximately 3:00 am Sunday Morning Salida Fire Fighters responded to a fire located at the future site of the La Familia Market. Fortunately there was only minimal damage. The Fire started at the same location as the previous fire in July. The Firefighters did a WONDERFUL job at getting to the scene so quickly and putting it out before it was considered a total loss.
As I walked down the alley to take photos of the damage to the store, I was overwhelmed with the odor of gasoline, as I looked around and did not see fire damage I was still about twenty feet away and the damage was around the corner out of sight. The odor of gasoline was so strong it had me worried with all the liquid on the ground but had realized it was water from the Fire Fighters.
One Firefighter was taken to the hospital with unknown minor injuries, we send our prayers and send best wishes for a speedy recovery.
We still have an arson on the loose and now one that has caused injury to one of our own Firefighters.
The fire is under investigation by the Stanislaus County Fire Investigation Team,
There is a $5000 reward if you have any information leading up to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fire damage at La Familia Market
Salida residents are looking forward to having an actual grocery store in Salida with reasonable prices and several residents miss Wali's meat deli.
Surveillance camera's have been in place and hoping it caught the arsonist in action and able to identify the individual.
December 3, 2017
At approximately 3:00 am Sunday Morning Salida Fire Fighters responded to a fire located at the future site of the La Familia Market. Fortunately there was only minimal damage. The Fire started at the same location as the previous fire in July. The Firefighters did a WONDERFUL job at getting to the scene so quickly and putting it out before it was considered a total loss.
As I walked down the alley to take photos of the damage to the store, I was overwhelmed with the odor of gasoline, as I looked around and did not see fire damage I was still about twenty feet away and the damage was around the corner out of sight. The odor of gasoline was so strong it had me worried with all the liquid on the ground but had realized it was water from the Fire Fighters.
One Firefighter was taken to the hospital with unknown minor injuries, we send our prayers and send best wishes for a speedy recovery.
We still have an arson on the loose and now one that has caused injury to one of our own Firefighters.
The fire is under investigation by the Stanislaus County Fire Investigation Team,
There is a $5000 reward if you have any information leading up to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fire damage at La Familia Market
Salida residents are looking forward to having an actual grocery store in Salida with reasonable prices and several residents miss Wali's meat deli.
Surveillance camera's have been in place and hoping it caught the arsonist in action and able to identify the individual.
Grocery Store Fire
July 20, 2017
At approximately 5:30 am July 20th a fire broke out at the construction site of the Grocery Store that is being built. According to witness's there was a line of fire along the back side and the west side of the construction site. It was appeared to have been an accelerant used that had the fire burning where there was no source to burn.
The fire started on the back side of the building, there was no power to the building that would have caused a short. The fire is ruled suspicious and there is a $5000 reward for information leading up to an arrest.
The owner of the Grocery Store, Wali, said he is going to rebuild, this is only a minor set back.
The Salida residents have been looking forward to having a grocery store in town once again. Something that is affordable and items that are stocked so they don't have to run into Modesto all the time. Wali did say that he will also have a deli, and a meat market with his infamous meat selection.
July 20, 2017
At approximately 5:30 am July 20th a fire broke out at the construction site of the Grocery Store that is being built. According to witness's there was a line of fire along the back side and the west side of the construction site. It was appeared to have been an accelerant used that had the fire burning where there was no source to burn.
The fire started on the back side of the building, there was no power to the building that would have caused a short. The fire is ruled suspicious and there is a $5000 reward for information leading up to an arrest.
The owner of the Grocery Store, Wali, said he is going to rebuild, this is only a minor set back.
The Salida residents have been looking forward to having a grocery store in town once again. Something that is affordable and items that are stocked so they don't have to run into Modesto all the time. Wali did say that he will also have a deli, and a meat market with his infamous meat selection.

GOOD SAMARITAN
October 6, 2016
Driving home down Wallasey, Colleen noticed what appeared to be smoke coming out of a vent from a house at the end of the street, as Colleen got closer to the house the smoke was becoming more noticeable as she seen it getting thicker pouring out of the vent just above the garage door. Colleen was turning left onto Firenza but pulled over in front of the house and hurried up to the front door and banged on it with both arms. The residents came to the door and asked her was was wrong, Colleen replied "YOUR GARAGE IS ON FIRE" and they replied "WHAT?" Neighbors just to the left also came out of their house due to Colleen banging on the door and asked her, "What wrong?" Colleen replied "Their house is on fire" The family became frantic and was trying to get their car out of the garage but it had already caught fire. A kind neighbor tossed them a strap and they pulled it out of the garage but Colleen described everything was on fire, the car then blew up and then things in the garage started blowing up as things shot through the roof. That's when the roof over the garage collapsed as our Firefighters were arriving on scene. All the engines from Salida were on scene, Woodland Fire Dept assisted and there were several engines on scene from Modesto.
Thanks to Colleen that no one was injured and the entire family made it out without injuries.
As I was explaining this to Colleen and asked her if I could video her she declined but she was so kind to let me take her photo and share her story. As I informed her of her bravery, you could tell she had not realized the scope of her heroism as her eyes filled with tears as she realized what she did for this family.
Colleen is a real hero. Something good always comes out of something bad.
The family may have lost some of their belongings but they were able to make it out safely.
I do believe that Colleen should be given a Good Samaritan award.
October 6, 2016
Driving home down Wallasey, Colleen noticed what appeared to be smoke coming out of a vent from a house at the end of the street, as Colleen got closer to the house the smoke was becoming more noticeable as she seen it getting thicker pouring out of the vent just above the garage door. Colleen was turning left onto Firenza but pulled over in front of the house and hurried up to the front door and banged on it with both arms. The residents came to the door and asked her was was wrong, Colleen replied "YOUR GARAGE IS ON FIRE" and they replied "WHAT?" Neighbors just to the left also came out of their house due to Colleen banging on the door and asked her, "What wrong?" Colleen replied "Their house is on fire" The family became frantic and was trying to get their car out of the garage but it had already caught fire. A kind neighbor tossed them a strap and they pulled it out of the garage but Colleen described everything was on fire, the car then blew up and then things in the garage started blowing up as things shot through the roof. That's when the roof over the garage collapsed as our Firefighters were arriving on scene. All the engines from Salida were on scene, Woodland Fire Dept assisted and there were several engines on scene from Modesto.
Thanks to Colleen that no one was injured and the entire family made it out without injuries.
As I was explaining this to Colleen and asked her if I could video her she declined but she was so kind to let me take her photo and share her story. As I informed her of her bravery, you could tell she had not realized the scope of her heroism as her eyes filled with tears as she realized what she did for this family.
Colleen is a real hero. Something good always comes out of something bad.
The family may have lost some of their belongings but they were able to make it out safely.
I do believe that Colleen should be given a Good Samaritan award.

Grocery store approved
April 21, 2015
The second reason we attended the Supervisors meeting is to see how our Supervisors were going to vote on the grocery store in downtown Salida. We were expecting several people to show up in favor and against the issue. We were told there was going to be a petition turned in to prevent the grocery store from being built.
Supervisor Dick Monteith had concerns with truck parking for the business. Those concerns were put to rest by the Planning Department. When the chair (Supervisor Withrow) opened up the agenda item for public comment only one person was called to the podium and that was a Modesto resident speaking in favor of the grocery store on behalf of friends he has in Salida. No one stepped forward in protest and the public comment was closed. The Supervisors voted on the issue and was passed unanimously.
It appears we will have a full size grocery store in Salida and it will take about 18 months for this to actually happen. During the meeting it was discussed that this grocery store will be competitive to the grocery stores in Modesto and will have comparable prices. It will not be a convenient store but an actual grocery store.
April 21, 2015
The second reason we attended the Supervisors meeting is to see how our Supervisors were going to vote on the grocery store in downtown Salida. We were expecting several people to show up in favor and against the issue. We were told there was going to be a petition turned in to prevent the grocery store from being built.
Supervisor Dick Monteith had concerns with truck parking for the business. Those concerns were put to rest by the Planning Department. When the chair (Supervisor Withrow) opened up the agenda item for public comment only one person was called to the podium and that was a Modesto resident speaking in favor of the grocery store on behalf of friends he has in Salida. No one stepped forward in protest and the public comment was closed. The Supervisors voted on the issue and was passed unanimously.
It appears we will have a full size grocery store in Salida and it will take about 18 months for this to actually happen. During the meeting it was discussed that this grocery store will be competitive to the grocery stores in Modesto and will have comparable prices. It will not be a convenient store but an actual grocery store.

Hit and run.
January 26, 2015
One dead. Suspect is in custody.
At approximately 9:00 am officers responded to a hit and run at the 5100 block of San Michele Drive. Upon arrival officers found 31 year old Elias Rosas Arguello of Salida Ca, lying on the roadway with injuries. Emergency medical arrived and Arguello was transported to the emergency room where he succumbed to his injuries. The Victim was in his front yard when a white pickup truck struck the victim. A rifle was recovered from the front yard and it is unclear as to who may have had it. Shortly after officers arrived on scene, a male arrived at the CHP office in Modesto to speak with officers about the incident. The male is identified as 28 year old William Paioni from Salida Ca. He was arrested for homicide and booked at the county jail. The incident is still under investigation at this time.
William Paioni booking photo
January 26, 2015
One dead. Suspect is in custody.
At approximately 9:00 am officers responded to a hit and run at the 5100 block of San Michele Drive. Upon arrival officers found 31 year old Elias Rosas Arguello of Salida Ca, lying on the roadway with injuries. Emergency medical arrived and Arguello was transported to the emergency room where he succumbed to his injuries. The Victim was in his front yard when a white pickup truck struck the victim. A rifle was recovered from the front yard and it is unclear as to who may have had it. Shortly after officers arrived on scene, a male arrived at the CHP office in Modesto to speak with officers about the incident. The male is identified as 28 year old William Paioni from Salida Ca. He was arrested for homicide and booked at the county jail. The incident is still under investigation at this time.
William Paioni booking photo

SALIDA FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 25, 2015
MOM!!!! Dad fell and he can’t breathe.. HELP!!! HURRY!! MOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM!!!
Call 911!
Where is your sister? -- Ummm… Ummm…-- Don’t Um me, WHERE IS SHE? -- Daddy, she told me not to tell. -- I don’t care what she told you! WHERE IS SHE? -- In the garage, she had the stack of newspapers and was going to help keep the house warm, she took your lighter, she is going to be mad at me for telling. -- Dad runs to the garage to find an inferno engulfing his work bench, he grabs his daughter and calls 911!
While backing out of a parking space in front of the post office a speeding car hits you and shoves you into the car next to you and pins you in your vehicle. A bystander calls 911.
All the scenario calls were made within 3 minutes of each other with only one station manned, response time is futile, while dad falls ill, sister caught house on fire and you are pinned in a car and are unable to get out, we do not have enough personnel in our fire stations to assist all of the calls.
A Citizen’s Advisory Committee was formed and consisted of residents from Salida, Del Rio and Wood Colony, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee met on five different occasions, from October through January. The committee reviewed a lot of information and did research during their process. They learned how the fire department runs and what it takes and how it affects their insurance. There were also discussions what an appropriate level of service would be for the area of Salida and the surrounding area which include parts of Wood Colony and Del Rio. Three fire stations are in the Salida district, Station One which is located on Broadway and Salida Blvd. Station Two is located on Ladd and Tully and Station Three which is located on Ciccarelli and Toomes at this time only Station One is servicing the area. A lot of discussion involved how our fire department is funded, where the money comes from and how property taxes and assessments are divided up among the different categories with a large percentage going towards salaries and benefits. They also learned about the different levels of service and their response times. While most would like a high level of service with a quick response time right now the funds are not there. Response times are for all types of calls, ranging from fires, accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and much, much more. We all desire a high quality of service especially when it comes to our family, we want the fire department there fast when our loved ones are hurt or in danger. What type of service do we want here in Salida? Only we can answer that question and what are we willing to do to get the service we desire?
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee is recommending at this time to have one station manned with three and a second station manned with two, both around the clock. At this time we have one station manned with two around the clock. In order to have other stations in the area help us out in case we have more calls than we are able to handle we could be charged for those services.
Salida Fire is still funded on a 2000 budget, we are in 2015 and we as a community need to come together and support our Fire Department with funding they need to operate.
Dale Skiles, Salida Fire Chief, and the rest of the board thanked each member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for their participation and all their research and commitment during the process and looks forward to their continued support.
The members consists of residents in Salida, Del Rio and Wood Colony area.
January 25, 2015
MOM!!!! Dad fell and he can’t breathe.. HELP!!! HURRY!! MOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM!!!
Call 911!
Where is your sister? -- Ummm… Ummm…-- Don’t Um me, WHERE IS SHE? -- Daddy, she told me not to tell. -- I don’t care what she told you! WHERE IS SHE? -- In the garage, she had the stack of newspapers and was going to help keep the house warm, she took your lighter, she is going to be mad at me for telling. -- Dad runs to the garage to find an inferno engulfing his work bench, he grabs his daughter and calls 911!
While backing out of a parking space in front of the post office a speeding car hits you and shoves you into the car next to you and pins you in your vehicle. A bystander calls 911.
All the scenario calls were made within 3 minutes of each other with only one station manned, response time is futile, while dad falls ill, sister caught house on fire and you are pinned in a car and are unable to get out, we do not have enough personnel in our fire stations to assist all of the calls.
A Citizen’s Advisory Committee was formed and consisted of residents from Salida, Del Rio and Wood Colony, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee met on five different occasions, from October through January. The committee reviewed a lot of information and did research during their process. They learned how the fire department runs and what it takes and how it affects their insurance. There were also discussions what an appropriate level of service would be for the area of Salida and the surrounding area which include parts of Wood Colony and Del Rio. Three fire stations are in the Salida district, Station One which is located on Broadway and Salida Blvd. Station Two is located on Ladd and Tully and Station Three which is located on Ciccarelli and Toomes at this time only Station One is servicing the area. A lot of discussion involved how our fire department is funded, where the money comes from and how property taxes and assessments are divided up among the different categories with a large percentage going towards salaries and benefits. They also learned about the different levels of service and their response times. While most would like a high level of service with a quick response time right now the funds are not there. Response times are for all types of calls, ranging from fires, accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and much, much more. We all desire a high quality of service especially when it comes to our family, we want the fire department there fast when our loved ones are hurt or in danger. What type of service do we want here in Salida? Only we can answer that question and what are we willing to do to get the service we desire?
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee is recommending at this time to have one station manned with three and a second station manned with two, both around the clock. At this time we have one station manned with two around the clock. In order to have other stations in the area help us out in case we have more calls than we are able to handle we could be charged for those services.
Salida Fire is still funded on a 2000 budget, we are in 2015 and we as a community need to come together and support our Fire Department with funding they need to operate.
Dale Skiles, Salida Fire Chief, and the rest of the board thanked each member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for their participation and all their research and commitment during the process and looks forward to their continued support.
The members consists of residents in Salida, Del Rio and Wood Colony area.