South San Joaquin County Fire Authority
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Jan 17
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South San Joaquin County Fire Authority - Tracy, CA
🚒Flashback Friday🚒Meet one of our Engineers Engineer Schwarz began his fire service career in Sonora, CA, in January of 1989 as a Student Firefighter at Columbia College and a volunteer firefighter with the Sonora Fire Department. Today, he brings 37 years of fire service experience and 36 years with Tracy Fire, where he serves as the department’s senior Engineer and most senior employee. Throughout his career, he has worked through significant changes in the fire service — from one- and two-person engine companies to three-person companies and a staffed truck company, ALS on every apparatus, clean-cab engines, and the implementation of a Type 1 Cal OES Hazmat Team. In 2013, Engineer Schwarz became a Hazmat Specialist, a role that expanded his impact well beyond the local level. As Hazmat Program Coordinator, he helped develop Tracy Fire into one of only 12 Cal OES Type 1 Hazmat Teams in California, capable of responding statewide to incidents including WMD and terrorism events. Outside of the station, he enjoys time with family, fishing, and hunting. Engineer Schwarz also serves on two hazmat advisory committees for the State of California. And one thing remains constant — his favorite engine is, and always will be, Engine 96… the busiest engine in the department. 🚒🔥
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#southcountyfire
🚒Always training, always ready.🚒 Tracy Firefighters working with Tracy High School’s Introduction to Fire Science class on forcible entry—using the irons for emergency access and learning proper saw techniques to remove window bars. #SouthCountyFire #FutureFirefighters #AlwaysTraining
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🚒 Early Morning Structure Fire – Midway Road 🚒 At approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning, Tracy Fire crews responded to reports of a residential structure fire on Midway Road. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire involvement throughout the home. Crews initiated an aggressive fire attack and were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes. The occupants had safely evacuated prior to the arrival of fire units. One firefighter sustained minor burns and was treated on scene. A Battalion Chief, Ladder Truck, and four fire engines, totaling 16 personnel, responded to the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 🔥 This incident is an important reminder to ensure you have working smoke detectors in your home. Early detection saves lives. Thank you to our crews for their quick, coordinated response and dedication to keeping our community safe.
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#TruckTuesday
🚨 Truck Tuesday 🚨 Training doesn’t stop when the tones are quiet. Every Tuesday, our crews are out training on truck operations and getting familiar with new buildings throughout our community. Knowing these structures before an emergency happens helps us respond faster, work safer, and better protect lives and property. #TruckTuesday #FirefighterTraining #AlwaysTraining #PreparedToProtect #PreIncidentPlanning #FireService #CommunitySafety
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***PRESS RELEASE*** 🚑 Big news for emergency medical services in San Joaquin County! 🚒 On January 12, 2026, the CENCAL Fire and EMS Authority Board of Directors approved a contract with San Joaquin County to provide emergency ambulance response and transport across San Joaquin County, including Tracy, Stockton, Lodi, Mountain House, and surrounding unincorporated communities. This regional public-private partnership is the first of its kind and places local fire agencies in a direct governance role while leveraging AMR’s operational experience - strengthening coordination, accountability and most importantly - patient care. Pending final approval by the County Board of Supervisors, the new system is expected to launch May 1, 2026, marking a major milestone in improving EMS response and service delivery countywide. Please see the attached Press Release for additional details. For media inquiries, please contact Nicole Boswell at (209) 831-6737 or nicole.boswell@sjcfire.org #sanjoaquin #sanjoaquincounty #Tracy #tracy #tracyfire #tracyca #Stockton #Fire #stocktonfire #stocktonfiredepartment #lodi #lodifire #community #first #CommunityFirst #communityfirst #CommunityFirstResponders #StrongerTogether
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South San Joaquin County Fire Authority - Tracy, CA
🐾 Happy Outcome 🐾 Earlier this evening, our crews responded to an unusual rescue on Bird Road when a family’s dog fell into an irrigation pipe while out on a walk. After locating the property owner and receiving permission, firefighters carefully cut the pipe and successfully rescued the dog—safe and unharmed. The family was incredibly grateful and graciously gave permission for us to share this story. Incidents like this remind us that serving our community sometimes means helping all members of the family—four-legged ones included. Great work by everyone involved. 👏🚒