The Facing Seaside III Project and Exhibition
The Seaside Fire Department
The Seaside Fire Department (SFD) provides emergency response and fire prevention services to the communities of Seaside and Del Rey Oaks. The SFD serves an area of 6,408 acres, with a 2016 population estimate of 34,312 for Seaside and 1,6831 for Del Rey Oaks.
SFD is an all hazards response agency providing fire, emergency medical services (basic life support) as well as local, state and federal wildland response. In addition, SFD operates a California State Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Type II Hazardous Material Vehicle. In cooperation with Cal OES, Salinas Fire Department and Monterey County Department of Environmental Health, SFD provides hazardous materials response and mitigation for all of Monterey and San Benito Counties as well as state-wide requests. Services are provided from one station by 25 full-time and 5 reserve firefighters staffing one first due engine, one first due quint and one incident command vehicle with an average annual call volume of 2896 calls for service.
Department History
Seaside has had an interesting, if not challenging, history and our fire department is no exception. Established as a county Fire District in 1940, and brought under the City’s control during incorporation in 1954, the Seaside Fire Department is proud of its role in contributing to Seaside’s success.
The early days of the department are well preserved through photographs and various documents, and demonstrate a series of challenges, due largely to the growth of Fort Ord during the Second World War. The fire district not only faced rapid, and poorly planned initial community expansion, but a shortage of volunteer fire fighters. In fact, in the spirit of Rosie the Riveter, Seaside’s fire fighting efforts during the war were largely aided by the wives of volunteers serving in the armed forces. By the mid 1940’s, Seaside had grown so quickly that it required at least some full time personnel, along with a new fire station.
In subsequent decades, Seaside’s continued expansion and modernization, required a likewise expansion and modernization of fire protection, so during 1950’s, a new, larger, fire station was occupied on Olympia Avenue. By the 1950’s, the number of emergencies had also increased to the point that volunteers could no longer reliably handle many of the calls and complete full time staffing was provided. During the remainder of the 1950’s and through the upcoming decades of the 60’s, 70’, Seaside pioneered active fire prevention and public education efforts, which continue today. Seaside also provided emergency medical care and transportation for our citizens long before the advent of paramedics.
Since the 1980’s, the fire department has operated out of its current home at Broadway Avenue and Yosemite Street. And today, under strong leadership and a pro-active city council, the fire department is positioned to provide effective and reliable service to our citizens and the adjoining community of Del Rey Oaks, who we proudly serve under contract.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Visiting the Seaside Fire Department
Business Interview
Name: Firefighter Liliana Garza
Name of business: City of Seaside Fire Department
What your business offers the community of Seaside:
Public Safety.
Are you from Monterey County, if not where are you from?
Originally from Redwood City, CA
When did you move to Seaside?
2013
What brought you to Seaside?
School at CSUMB
How did you learn all that you do, who were your mentors, or folks who encouraged /supported you when you decided to start your business?
I started with EMT at MPC, then went through the fire academy. Fortunately, I got hired by Cal Fire the following year. I learned my fire service foundation through this experience. Keith Tsudama was my mentor during my time in Cal Fire.
Is this work that has been in your family for generations, or are you the first in your family to do this?
I am the first in my family to be a firefighter.
Who are your inspirations? (business or otherwise)
My Parents.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your business?
My hopes are to continue to build a stronger relationship with our community and to inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in the fire service.
What are your feelings about community, what does community mean to you here in Seaside? Is community important to you?
Community is essential for creating a sense of welcome in any place. Personally, Seaside is my first home away from home, and it has become especially significant to me due to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. I enjoy working in Seaside and also enjoy contributing to the community.
Do you have any plans for expansion?
We are currently in the works to open a second station.
Do you have social media for your business? What platforms?
We have an instagram and facebook page.
Do you have a current website?
Yes! https://www.ci.seaside.ca.us/217/Fire-Department
How does your business show up for the community?
Our fire department demonstrates commitment to the community through rapid emergency response and proactive engagement in educational programs, events, and collaborative initiatives. We prioritize the safety and well-being of residents by fostering open communication and maintaining a strong, reliable presence in Seaside.
Over the years, what have you seen change in Seaside? Good and/or bad.
Over the years, I've witnessed positive changes in Seaside, particularly in terms of growth and overall appeal. The city is investing more in improving infrastructure, making streets look nicer, and adding bike lanes, contributing to a positive transformation.
What would you like to see more of in Seaside? (if anything)
I would like to see more local businesses thrive and receive the support they need to sustain themselves for the long term. Additionally, having more community events that bring people together can further support and promote our local businesses in Seaside
