Open Letter to the Communities We Serve

by Stephen Abbott, Fire Chief, 2015-2021

Looking back on the 31+ years serving with the North County Fire Protection District, I am impressed with how far we have come as a fire department, Stephen Abbott, Fire Chief. Courtesy photo not to mention the communities of Fallbrook, Bonsall and Rainbow. Before 1990, we had no paramedic program; we had two full-time employees per station, operated our own dispatch system using old technology, operated with antiquated equipment and facilities and had a limited automatic aid system. We relied heavily upon our reserve and volunteer firefighters to supplant full-time forces, as well as “call back” of off-duty personnel to staff our stations. Transporting patients across the county line was taboo, and each fire department seemed to have their own way of doing things.

Fast forward to today, and the communities we serve receive service on par, if not exceeding that provided in more metropolitan areas by a very contemporary fire department. All of that progress could not have been accomplished without the superb leadership provided by the many dedicated men and women of North County Fire, its board of directors and the numerous community stakeholders, including but not limited to the Fallbrook Regional Health District, Foundation for Senior Care, North County CERT, Fallbrook and Bonsall Chambers of Commerce, Fallbrook and Bonsall Rotary clubs, Fallbrook Amateur Radio Club, Village News, Fallbrook Fire Safe Council, San Diego Sheriffs and Senior Volunteers, California Highway Patrol, Fallbrook Land Conservancy, Fallbrook and Rainbow Water Districts, Mission Resource Conservation District, North County Fire Explorers and Senior Volunteers, Fallbrook, Bonsall and Rainbow school districts, numerous churches, as well as all of our neighboring fire service partners.

All of these supporting entities are mentioned not only to offer recognition for their substantial support but also to illustrate that it takes a partnership to make this community what it is. And each of these entities requires ordinary citizens to step up and lead, to give of their time, talents and expertise. It is my sincere hope and prayer that moving forward we continue to enjoy the fruits of the labors of the many men and women that dedicate so much of their time to this community, and that each of you may support them in their efforts.

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