The Reserve traces its history back to 1953 when it began as the Sacramento Fire Auxiliary for Civil Defense. Headquartered today at Station 70 (1910 Arica Way), the 50-member Reserve unit operates a class A structure pumper, a heavy rescue/overhaul squad vehicle, and a commissary unit. The Reserve is dispatched to multiple alarm fires, Level 3 Haz-Mat incidents and other emergencies whenever additional resources are required. The Reserve provides supplemental staffing, food, drinks, and EMS standby at the scene of emergencies, They also have a direct role in decontamination at Hazardous Materials incidents.

Reserve firefighters are trained and certified by department personnel to the Firefighter I level of the State Fire Marshal's Office, as well as Medical First Responder including CPR. Many members are also EMT and paramedic trained. Several reservists maintain class A or B driver's licenses and are trained apparatus operators.

The Reserve Specialist is a new category of membership which includes people skilled in EMS, operation of the commissary, or radio communication. Though not involved in firefighting, these members also contribute their expert skills in time of emergency and at community service functions.

Consolidated dispatch has meant more responses for the Reserve, and requests continue to increase for Reserve participation in community events, medical standbys, fire safety awareness presentations, and public education events. All this contributes to the importance of the Reserve as a highly cost effective public relations asset for the Sacramento City Fire Department and the City of Sacramento.

For further information contact Captain Jonathan Williams at jwilliams@sfd.cityofsacramento.org .