1 week Ago By Todd R. Hansen
VACAVILLE – The city department's annual report shows that its crews, in 2024, responded to more than 13,400 calls – 74% of which were for medical services. The department also opened a new, albeit temporary firehouse in November. Station 76 serves the Lagoon Valley area.
A permanent structure will be built in the coming years. "The temporary station, staffed by a crew of three, will eventually transition to a permanent facility once the developer completes the station’s construction. This expansion will help ensure we meet the growing needs of our community," the report states.
The annual report states the 13,453 incidents crews responded to were a record high, with 9,962 being medical emergencies. "Our ambulances transported 8,473 patients," Fire Chief Kris Concepcion wrote in the report summary. "Our Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement teams also stayed busy, completing 487 plan reviews, conducting 1,633 fire and construction inspections, and addressing over 1,550 code compliance cases.
These numbers reflect the increasing demands we face and the commitment of our team to serve the people of Vacaville." For the 2023-24 fiscal year, the department had operating revenues of $17.029 million, 96% of which was generated through emergency medical services.
The total revenue was up 12% from the prior year. Total salaries and benefits combined equalled $35.69 million, representing 88% of operating expenditures, with another $4.
65 million for services and supplies. The city's general fund is responsible for the $23.31 million not covered by the department-generated revenue.
The report also was a reminder of the sacrifices first-responders make. As we reflect on the past year, we honor the ultimate sacrifices made by those who serve and protect our community. On July 11, Police Officer Matthew Bowen tragically lost his life in the line of duty, and our firefighters were among the first responders to the scene.
The courage and professionalism displayed in the face of such a heartbreaking loss will forever be remembered," Concepcion wrote. "Just one day later, our community was struck by another tragedy with the passing of Code Enforcement Technician Bryden Nadasdy in an off-duty traffic accident." The chief states that "these losses have left an indelible mark on our department and our community.
Both Matt and Bryden’s dedication to their respective roles and their commitment to serving others exemplify the selfless spirit that binds us all in public service." . The department added 12 firefighters and firefighter/paramedics in 2024.
Three more paramedics, who started their school training last year, are expected to be added this year, the report states. The department also watched some of its staff leave. Five staff members retired: Capt.
Loren Drowne, Engineer Bill Glade, Firefighter/Paramedic Courtney Hughes-Plocher, Firefighter/Paramedic Dustin Kuntz, and Battalion Chief Gary Mahlberg. Promotions were awarded to Fire Capts. Kevin Berkery, Adam Drake, Tad Samolis and Justin Tabor, as well as Engineers Eugene Hernandez, Steve Kuchac, Danny Lewis, Kyle Melton and Joe Scarrott.
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