About The San Miguel District

The San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District (the District) is the largest fire district in San Diego County. The District was formed on July 1, 1988 through a merger of the Spring Valley and the Grossmont/Mt. Helix Fire Protection Districts, and again on July 3, 2008 with the East County Fire Protection District. The District has grown over the past 20 years in commercial businesses, housing density and population. With an Operating on a budget of $21,699,760 for Fiscal Year 2008/2009, the District covers a 47 square mile area in the Eastern portion of urban San Diego County, serving the Communities of Bostonia, Casa de Oro, Crest, Grossmont/Mt. Helix, La Presa, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, and unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa. Our District protects various commercial and industrial operations, single-family residences, large multi-unit apartment and condominium projects, future planned resort developments, and an expansive urban/wildland interface area.

The Fire District's 100 full-time employees provide suppression, prevention and emergency medical services to approximately 124,000 residents. Our suppression force responds to approximately 9,000 fire and medical-related emergencies annually. The District operates through an effective labor/management process known as Relationship by Objective (RBO). This successful process has allowed labor and management to work cooperatively to identify all products and/or services that the customer and employee receive from the District.
The Fire Chief serves under the direction of the Board of Directors, and is responsible for five primary categories: Leadership, Overall District Management, Fiscal Management, Relationship with the Board of Directors and Community, and Public Relations.
Progressive programs implemented by the District include engine company paramedics at all eight fire stations, Public Access Defibrillator Implementation and Training Program, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), residential sprinklers, and weed abatement. Through it’s public education efforts and preparedness efforts like the annual “Safe and Sound” Fire Expo and the “Before the Threat” door to door campaign the District made more than 22,000 resident contacts.

DISTRICT PROFILE
1 Fire Chief
3 Division Chiefs
1 Fire Marshal
4 Battalion Chiefs
26 Captains
24 Engineers
24 Firefighters
1 Business Services Manager
2 Administrative Specialist
1 Secretary
1 Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
1 Fire Apparatus Mechanic
1 Public Information Officer
2 Fire Inspectors
92 Total District Personnel

(There are also 22 Reserve Firefighters for the San Miguel District)

EXECUTIVE STAFF
August F. Ghio, Fire Chief
Gary Croucher, Division Chief
Joseph Ranalli, Division Chief
Stephen Butcher Division Chief
Marsha Larsen, Fire Marshal
Andy Menshek, Battalion Chief
Jeff Lannon, Battalion Chief
Larry Converse , Battalion Chief
Darilyn O’Dell, Business Services Manager
Earnest Warren, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Leonard Villarreal, Public Information Officer

ENGINE COMPANIES
The Fire District utilizes a variety of response apparatus. Eight first line engine companies have 1,500 gpm pumping capacity with water tanks ranging from 400 to 900 gallons. All engines have pre-plumbed foam, both 1 3/4 and 1 1/2 inch crosslay attack lines. All engine companies carry life saving extrication equipment.

Our specialized equipment includes three Brush Engines, a Light & Air/Rescue Unit, a heavy rescue unit, and Truck Company, and two State of California, Office of Emergency Services Engine; reserve apparatus consists of five pumpers with pre-plumbed foam. The District maintains numerous staff vehicles for use by all staff officers, fire prevention, and fleet maintenance personnel.
Our engine companies deliver Paramedic services on eight of our engines, Emergency Medical Technician, Combitube and Defibrillation services to the community; but do not transport patients. A private ambulance company is under contract for additional paramedic services and transportation.