October 7, 2022 - On October 3rd, 2022, Mariposa County Fire hosted a badge pinning ceremony to honor the first ever paid County Fire Fighters. “This is a very exciting day, because it’s a historic day,” Mariposa County Fire Chief Ward shared during the ceremony. Mariposa County Fire was originally formed in 1991, and since that time, the only paid employees have been a Chief, and Deputy Chief, and for a short time a Volunteer Fire Coordinator funded through a grant. For three decades, volunteers have supported and staffed County Fire Stations. “Our volunteers will always be a vital part of County Fire and their dedication will forever be needed and appreciated,” Mariposa County Fire Chief Ward stated, “but with decreases in volunteerism across the county, in all sectors, we had to take action now.”
District 5 Supervisor Marshall Long reminded those in attendance that in the past County Fire relied on fundraising to support volunteer-staffed stations and equipment was primarily hand-me-downs. Being able to provide compensation “is going to lead to improved service,” Marshall Long stated.
Shawn McCullough, Morris Morgan, and Ray Rebbeck, all Firefighter Reserve 1s, and David Harer, a Firefighter Reserve 2, are ready to serve the community. These four individuals will be based out of Station #22 located on Highway 49 N across from the CHP Office. During their shift while not responding to emergency incidents they will be focused on project work throughout the County such as maintenance of County stations, equipment, and more.
“I just enjoy it,” David Harer, one of the new paid firefighters shared, “I really enjoy helping out my community.” Harer has been volunteering with Mariposa County Fire for 11 years, primarily stationed at the North County and Fish Camp stations, literally serving across the county.
“Just the beginning,” is how District 4 Supervisor Wayne Forsythe described the event. “This is very near and dear to me, as a fire family,” Wayne Forsythe added, noting his father was a firefighter, he (Forsythe) served as a firefighter during his military service and has a daughter and two sons-in-law who work for CALFIRE.
The goals moving forward for County Fire are to increase staffing levels to support our volunteers, improve service to the community, provide opportunities for firefighters to train and promote up, and continue to build on what was started on October 3rd.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or Extra-Help paid Firefighter can contact Mariposa County Fire at 209-966-4330 or visit www.mariposacounty.org/76/Fire-Department.
Source & photo credit: Mariposa County
