The internationally accredited district, founded in 1926, serves nearly 64,000 people and covers 71 square miles. As a district, it is not part of the city government and survives mostly on assessments from local property taxes.
The district traces its history to the establishment of a volunteer fire brigade in 1894. The first vehicle purchased by the district was a 1923 Ford that remains on display at the Fireman's Fund Insurance building on San Marin Drive, and it is driven in the annual Fourth of July Parade. In fact, the fire district is 34 years older than Novato, which was incorporated in 1960.
The district, overseen by Interim Chief Ken Massucco, has five stations around the city: Redwood Boulevard (Station 1), Atherton Avenue (Station 2), San Marin (Station 3), Ignacio (Station 4) and Hamilton (Station 5). Its annual budget is approximately $23.5 million.
In August 2009, the Center for Public Safety Excellence granted international acceditation to the district, a first for Marin County and only the fifth time a California district received the honor. The district has a Fire Explorer program for teens interested in firefighting as a career, and it offers countless classes on public safety awareness for the public.
4 wheel Parts is an auto parts super store that specializes in Jeeps and Trucks. This location is a combination parts store and service center; buy the part on one side and have it installed on the other. Jeep and truck tires are available by Goodyear, Toyo, Dick Cepek and more. You also get a free mount and balance with the purchase of a set of wheels. New jeep and truck parts from gear packages to seat covers are all available at this massive location.
The Central Fire Protection District oversees four stations in Santa Cruz, including one at the same location as the district office. The district formed in 1987 and includes coverage for the communities of Live Oak, Soquel and Capitola. The district owns and operates nine fire engines, one ladder truck and one water tank truck.
