Program Overview

The Heavy Rescue (HR) program’s purpose is to provide technical training and respond to technical rescue incidents within the Fire District and County of San Mateo, as well as maintain our level as a State OES resource (US&R ICS 120-1). All team members are certified to the level of Rescue Specialist and meet or exceed the requirements set forth in NFPA 1006 & 2500 with the ability and equipment to manage rescues involving structure collapse, high and low angle rope rescue, trench collapse, confined space, machinery entrapment incidents, and major vehicle or industrial accidents. 

Management Oversight

The HR program is directed by the Division Chief of Operations with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program does not have any full-time equivalent employees. This program contains the expenses pertaining to general supplies and equipment purchases, contract services, and overtime for training and program administration.

Goals and Objectives

• Provide ongoing, annual, and quarterly training to ensure personnel are consistently up-to-date with the latest skills and certifications required for their roles.
• Ensure all personnel complete necessary training as mandated by California State Fire Training, FEMA, and Cal OES, including specialized courses for disaster response and fire service operations.
• Maintain and regularly update personnel’s personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet safety standards and ensure readiness for all operational scenarios.
• Keep the US&R (Urban Search & Rescue) 102 unit fully operational at all times, including regular maintenance, equipment checks, and readiness drills, to ensure rapid deployment during emergencies.
• Periodically evaluate training programs and equipment to ensure they meet current standards and operational needs, implementing improvements as necessary to maintain high levels of readiness and safety.

FY 2023-24 Accomplishments

• Actively sponsor and facilitate State Fire Training programs for local and regional agencies, enhancing interoperability and ensuring consistent, high-quality training across jurisdictions.
• Certified over a dozen employees in Structure Collapse, Rope Rescue Technician, Trench Rescue and Confined Space Rescue.
• Outfitted over a dozen employees with the proper PPE to respond to any and all Technical Rescue incidents. 
• Procured and replace essential equipment, including specialized tools and trench rescue kits, to ensure all units are properly outfitted with the latest, most effective gear for emergency response.
• Conducted periodic assessments to identify gaps in equipment or areas for improvement, making necessary upgrades and replacements to maintain operational readiness and safety for all personnel.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

• Continue to offer additional Machinery Rescue Technician (MRT) courses for MPFD personnel, with a goal of conducting 2-3 more classes in 2025, ensuring that all personnel are proficient in complex machinery rescue operations.
• Continue to support MPFD personnel in completing essential state-required courses, including Rope Rescue Technician (RRT), Structural Collapse Rescue 1 & 2 (SCCS 1& 2), Trench Rescue Technician, and Confined Space Rescue Technician. These courses are crucial to maintaining operational readiness and compliance with state standards.
• Provide resources and mentorship to MPFD personnel to become certified rescue instructors in various disciplines, enhancing the department’s internal training capacity and promoting professional growth.
• Acquire a new, high-capacity trailered generator to power the Husky Prime electric series tools, ensuring emission free, reliable, and efficient operation of essential rescue equipment during emergency responses.
• Modernize the Lumber Tender by replacing the existing trench panels with stronger FinForm panels and outfit the cache with a Paratech Walers system, allowing members to quickly build out a trench shoring kit and rapidly rescue trapped victims.  This new equipment will provide for a safer environment while improving its ability to support heavy rescue operations and ensure that the department is equipped with state-of-the-art rescue gear.