Program Overview

The Heavy Rescue 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 Heavy Rescue 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 2024-25 Accomplishments

• Certified four new members as Heavy Rescue Technicians.

• Sponsored multiple personnel for specialized rescue training, including SCS 1 & 2, RRT, RRAO, Confined Space, and Trench Rescue courses.

• Conducted Machinery Rescue Technician training for the entire Fire Department, integrating TF3 and Menlo Heavy Rescue methodologies.

• Acquired a second Paratech HSSK kit to enable rapid shoring of Type I/II structural collapses.

• Added a secondary Paratech Hydrafusion Kit to enhance capabilities in lifting and stabilizing heavy vehicles and objects.

• Upgraded pneumatic framing hammers to battery-powered electric models for increased efficiency and mobility.

• Procured a second 16” Husqvarna 1270 gas-powered rescue saw and replaced manual-locking carabiners with ANSI-rated auto-locking models for improved safety.

• Enhanced rope rescue kits with the addition of CMC Capto devices; supported several successful in-county deployments of US&R 102, primarily for TAS (Technical Assistance Support) and TAT (Technical Advisory Team) missions.

FY 2025-26 Program Initiatives

• Surplus the crane and knuckle boom to streamline operations and reduce maintenance costs.

• Develop a revised deployment plan for shoring equipment, including the decommissioning and surplus of the lumber truck.