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in the form of paid-on-call services, in which individuals receive payment for each emergency
response and for participation in training drills. Other agencies often provide monthly stipends for
a required number of hours of service or provide health insurance benefits or pension
contributions for volunteer participation. We have also observed successful volunteer efforts in
which aspiring firefighters/EMTs provide their services in return for tuition reimbursements and
specialized training in EMS or paramedicine. This is attractive to someone seeking to enter the
fire service, as the total cost for this training can be in excess of $10,000 and can take more than
two years to complete. Many agencies use volunteer/student firefighters, and as an incentive
provide tuition assistance and hands-on experience in return for this volunteer service. In these
cases, volunteers enter a contractual relationship for a designated timeframe (two to three
years), in which they are sponsored by the agency to attend training courses and their fees are
paid by the host agency.
The South Santa Clara area, including Morgan Hill, does not appear conducive for volunteer
participation to support emergency response activities. There are, however, a number of
volunteer efforts that can and should be supported in this area. These are primarily in support
functions, including “canteen” efforts or rehabilitation or refreshment services during larger
events. There are also a number of administrative and clerical functions that can be supported
primarily from retirees who provide skilled assistance and administrative support. Fire prevention
activities, including inspections services, code enforcement, plans review, and public education
presentations are also frequently supported through voluntary efforts. Special duty details at
fairs, carnivals, concerts, and large public assembly venues are also suitable for voluntary
participation. Finally, many communities utilize “CERT” efforts (Community Emergency Response
Teams) to provide critical support functions during large-scale disasters and community events.
Recommendation: CAL FIRE should continue in its effort to maintain the use of
volunteers to provide assistance during larger events or extended operations. In
addition, other support functions as canteen efforts, CERT, fire prevention duties, and
assistance during community public events are effective methods to utilize volunteer
support.
APPARATUS AND FLEET MAINTENANCE
The CAL FIRE fleet of first-line apparatus in Morgan Hill/SSCCFD is very good and the level of
maintenance appears appropriate in keeping the fleet viable and in a state of readiness. As
with the funding formula for personnel, the methodology utilized by CAL FIRE for the cost
distribution for apparatus repairs and maintenance appears appropriate. The City budgets
capital costs for replacement and vehicle parts apart from its contractual costs and these are
added to its annual budget as needed. In addition, the City includes $10,000 in its annual
budget to offset overtime costs for maintenance/repair services provided by CAL FIRE
mechanical staff. The District provides funding for one of the CAL FIRE mechanical staff positions
and provides funding for its vehicle replacement schedule.
Both the City and District utilize lease-purchase funding plans for apparatus purchases. The mix
of payments between the District and City provides sufficient revenues to support the
maintenance facility and the apparatus replacement schedule. CAL FIRE utilizes a 15-year
replacement schedule for its first-line apparatus and a five-year reserve period for a total useful
life of 20 years.
The entire fleet maintenance program—its level of technical expertise, parts inventory, and
recordkeeping—appear extremely efficient. The combined effort is commendable and CPSM