The City of Wildomar is proud to announce the formation of Medic Squad 61, located at Wildomar Fire Station 61 at 32637 Gruwell Street. The squad, which began responding to calls on Monday, January 6, 2020 consists of an engineer, a firefighter paramedic and Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment.
The addition of the squad will decrease response time, increase survivability, and will cut down on costs since the smaller squad vehicle can be dispatched to certain Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls in lieu of the larger fire engine.
“We are committed to providing the best public safety for our residents and this is just one example of how we are continually looking to improve our city services,” said Mayor Dustin Nigg. “Wildomar continues to grow and we will continue to increase quality services as well.”
Fire and EMS services within Wildomar are contracted through CAL Fire/Riverside County Fire. Wildomar has contracted for these services since the city’s incorporation in 2008.
“It’s a proud moment for our fire department and a huge service boost for the citizens of Wildomar,” said John Crater, Battalion Chief for Wildomar’s Fire Department. “Thank you for supporting your fire department with the addition of this paramedic squad to better serve you.”
Wildomar has also purchased a new medic squad vehicle that is still being assembled and will be delivered to the city by Spring 2020. In the interim, Wildomar is utilizing a vehicle supplied by the county.
Increased public safety does come with a price tag for the city. The new vehicle was $225,000 and the medic squad personnel will cost just over $1 million per year for the City of Wildomar; both will be paid out of Measure AA funds. On November 6, 2018, Wildomar voters approved Measure AA which became effective on April 1, 2019, establishing a 1.0% transaction tax on the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of tangible property sold within the city limits. Increasing public safety was one of the main objectives of Measure AA.
About the City of Wildomar: Wildomar is located along Interstate 15 in Southwest Riverside County. Wildomar is a growing community with a population of just over 36,000, comfortably nestled in a valley bordered by a mountain range on the west and rolling hills to the east. For more information regarding the City of Wildomar, visit www.cityofwildomar.org.
For additional information, please call Kimberly Davidson at 951-677-7751, Extension 215, or email kdavidson@cityofwildomar.org.