Menlo Park Fire Protection District
Operations Division
Division Overview
The Operations Division is responsible for the deployment of resources and emergency response, as well as personnel management, safety training, and the daily operations of the department. This division is also tasked with investigating and, when appropriate, implementing modern fire suppression methods, technologies, and equipment. The Operations Division oversees several key areas, including Fire Suppression, Radio Communications, Personal Protective Equipment, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Audio and Visual Production, and the Safety Committee.
The Operations Division plays a central role in fulfilling the Fire District’s mission: to protect and preserve life and property from the effects of fire, disasters, injury, and illness. It accomplishes this by providing 24/7, year-round all-hazard response to both emergency and non-emergency calls within the District and neighboring jurisdictions.
Also, included in this division is Special Operations. Special Operations manages California Task Force Three (CA-TF3), California Swift Water Rescue Three (CA-SWR3), Water Rescue, Heavy Rescue, Tactical Emergency Medicine Support (TEMS), and Joint Honor Guard. This incorporates management of the FEMA Cooperative Agreements, CalOES Awards, adherence to various federal and state laws and standards, various contracts, internal Special Operations policies, procedures, and guidelines, relationships with federal, state officials, and local government officials, as well as, training and record retention for 220 Urban Search and Rescue Team Members.
Management Oversight
The Operations Division is led by the Division Chief of Operations, who oversees seven key programs related to fire service operations. These programs include fire suppression, operations audio and visual, personal protective equipment, radio communications, the safety committee, self-contained breathing apparatus, and unmanned aerial systems. The division is staffed by 117 full-time equivalent employees, making up 76.5% of the District's total workforce.
Division Goals and Objectives
- Maintain adequate staffing levels for daily operations, training, and emergency coverage, including planning for scheduled leaves, absences, and large-scale incidents.
- Oversee the budget for staffing, training, and backfilling needs to ensure financial resources are available for operational readiness.
- Ensure the proper maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance of all District buildings, equipment, and fitness facilities.
- Provide ongoing training and certification for personnel to ensure preparedness for fire suppression, emergency response, and specialized operations, to achieve optimal outcomes during fire and other emergency incidents.
- Maintain and regularly update personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational readiness.
- Manage radio communications equipment, ensuring connectivity and compliance with local and statewide requirements.
- Conduct safety committee meetings, investigate accidents, and implement corrective measures to enhance safety protocols and reduce risks.
- Oversee and maintain tactical medical care, collaborating with SWAT teams and offering emergency medical training for improved survivability.
- Expand and enhance the UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) program, training additional pilots and exploring technology partnerships to improve fire service capabilities.
- Develop and maintain water rescue training, equipment, and partnerships, ensuring personnel are well-prepared for swift water and flood rescue operations.
Division Performance Measures
| Performance Measures | Division Goals and Objectives | FY 2025-26 Target |
| Improve response time from dispatch to on-scene arrival for emergency medical calls | #1 | 90% of calls within 6 min and 59 sec |
| Maintain all structure fires (residential and commercial) confined to the room of origin | #4 | 50% |
| Maintain the readiness of fire suppression equipment through daily checks and monthly maintenance | #3 | 100% |
