Cathedral City Fire Department adds fourth ambulance to its fleet, unveiling new rig and six-member crew
Tori King
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)–The Cathedral City Fire Department just commissioned a brand new ambulance, making it the department’s fourth in it’s fleet.
The ambulance, along with six newly-hired firefighters and paramedics, were introduced to the community in a ceremony on Tuesday. The celebration took place at CCFD’s Fire Station #2.
Cathedral City Fire Chief Michael Contreras says this new rig is a culmination of years of collaboration between the department, the city, and residents.
“Through our accreditation, through our ISO rating, through our hiring, our service, delivery, you know, we’re the only ones that have ambulances,” said Contreras. “All that is what this is about. Because at the end of the day, if we can’t serve the people, why are we here.”
City Manager Charles McClendon agreed.
“I’m so happy to see this because the whole reason for what we do is to serve the community,” said McClendon. “And that’s what this new ambulance and the staff that will be working on it represent.”
The new rig and crew members will increase response times and positive outcomes for medical emergencies around the city. They were paid for by ‘Measure W’ funding, a half-cent sales tax that was approved by Cathedral City voters in November.
“We had a goal get this in place by July 1st, and let the community see the results of what they voted for in November, and we did it.,” said McClendon. “I’m just so happy to know that when we all pulled together, we were able to get this done.”
During the event, the new crew members had their badges pinned on by their chosen loved ones.
“It’s been an extremely great day to finally be a firefighter paramedic for serving the great city of Cathedral City,” said Tyler Kramer, one of the new firefighters and paramedics. “It’s been a long road coming. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always looked at the fire engines going past my house, and have known that this is the dream job that I wanted to do for my whole entire life. For Fire Chief Michael Contreras to give me the opportunity, and for this being my first department, I will do everything for it.”
After the ceremony, the rig was pushed into the fire station by community members, firefighters, city leaders, and friends and family.
“It’s here. It’s home,” said Juan Ramirez. “It’s a great feeling to have another ambulance here, and we’re ready to serve.”