When a call comes in for a medical emergency, every second counts.
While an ambulance may be on its way from other parts of the county, it is often the Watsonville Fire Department that arrives first. What many people may not know is that every firefighter in Watsonville is also a licensed paramedic, trained to provide advanced life-saving care right on the scene.
They stabilize patients, perform critical procedures, and bring the skills of an emergency room directly into our neighborhoods. This is the work our firefighters carry out in Watsonville every single day.
This dedication to saving lives has deep roots. Since 1861, the Watsonville Fire Department has stood as a cornerstone of our community.
Over more than 160 years, the department has continuously evolved, modernizing its training, equipment, and technology to meet the growing needs of our City, while staying true to its mission of courage and service.
Today, the work of our firefighters extends far beyond fighting fires. They respond to 911 medical calls within the city, often arriving before an ambulance and delivering critical care that can mean the difference between life and death. Their expertise is put into action thousands of times each year, with the department responding to more than 6,200 emergencies annually and arriving on scene in an average of just four to five minutes.
Behind those numbers are real people, real families, and real lives saved. In addition to medical emergencies, the fire department also responds to structure fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, wildfires, and gas and electrical emergencies. Their dedication extends well beyond Watsonville’s borders, too. When large-scale wildfires and disasters strike across California, our firefighters answer the call for mutual aid, bringing their skills and strength wherever they are needed most.
October marks Fire Prevention Month, a reminder that we all share the responsibility to prevent fire emergencies before they happen. Simple steps like installing smoke detectors in every room, testing them regularly, replacing batteries once a year, and creating a family fire safety plan can save lives. Fire prevention starts at home, and is one of the most effective ways to protect our families and neighborhoods.
The department also offers a clear path for professional growth. Firefighters begin as firefighter/paramedics with opportunities to advance through the ranks to apparatus engineer, captain, and battalion chief, all while staying true to the calling of protecting lives and serving the community.
Being a firefighter in Watsonville is more than a career; it is a commitment to neighbors, to public safety, and to answering the call for help, whether here in our City or across the state.
On behalf of our entire community, I want to thank our firefighters for their dedication, courage, and unwavering service in keeping Watsonville safe.
