As 2011 comes to a close, we reflect on events of this past year and look forward to the anticipated challenges for 2012.

The number of incidents is up in 2011 from the previous year by 9% to a total of 1,344 calls. We average about 3.7 incidents per day. The majority of our emergency incidents (68%) are medical emergencies involving our ambulances and paramedics. About 5% of our calls involve fires. The remaining calls are for hazardous incidents (gas leaks, wires down, etc.) public assists, mutual or automatic aid to our neighbors or cancelled while responding.

The past year we experienced no firefighter or civilian deaths or major injures as a result of fires. We responded to and mitigated several interesting and challenging incidents that stretched our available resources to the limit. Through our Automatic Aid and Mutual Aid Agreements, we have provided assistance to and received assistance from our neighboring emergency agencies, using our collective assets for major or multiple incidents.

We received support from both the Penn Valley Firefighters Association and the Penn Valley Fire Department Auxiliary. Through their fund-raising efforts more than $100,000 has been donated last year to assist the Fire District in its mission to provide emergency services. Speaking for the Fire District, we appreciate the dedication and hard work of all the volunteers involved.

Our citizens passed Measure “A” in May of 2010 which increased the Special Tax – Rescue to help support the ambulance and paramedic program in our District. Because of that support, we have been able to maintain the existing level of service and avoid “brown outs” (temporary closing of a fire station) for all of 2011.

We are looking forward to 2012. We know we will face some significant challenges, especially financial, this year. Assessed property values have decreased two years in a row (total of 10.2%) and that means reduced income to our District. The State of California has some major money problems and, if history is a guide, their action to correct their problems will have a negative affect our funding. The issues facing our nation are many and complex. Action taken by the federal government may affect us, especially our ambulance and paramedic service.

We plan on being proactive in facing the issues that may or will affect our ability to provide emergency services. Our pledge to you is that we will continue to use the resources available as effectively and efficiently as possible to provide the best emergency services.

We cherish the support we receive from the Penn Valley community. We appreciate your input and we are always looking for ways to improve what we do. If you have suggestions, comments, concerns or questions, please contact me at 432-2630 or e-mail me at chief@pennvalleyfire.com.