The San Marino Fire Department recently held an inspection of its personnel, apparatus, equipment and facilities. The inspection is a three-day comprehensive review that involves weeks of preparation.
“These inspections offer an opportunity to ensure the readiness of the fire department, if necessary; to reset the standards if we feel that needs to happen; and lastly, the inspection preparation process helps build esprit de corps,” said San Marino Fire Chief Mario Rueda.
Rueda reported that the SMFD passed the inspection.
“I am very pleased with the work of the firefighter/paramedics for this inspection, and proud to be a part of the fire department,” the chief added.
The inspection was personally overseen by the fire chief, with the assistance of Division Chief Dondanville.
Although the inspection is labeled the annual inspection, the department goes through two inspections per year. Rueda said, “The twice-yearly inspections are designed to complement the department’s daily, monthly and other periodic checks to assure that 100% of the time, everything works, and we are also prepared and proficient.”
“This inspection instills the importance of why we do all of these things on a regular basis,” said Rueda, who was hired in January 2016 and brought the notion of regular inspections with him from the Los Angeles Fire Department, where he had previously worked for 35 years.
“I think it’s an important part of making sure as a public safety agency that we do our due diligence,” said Rueda. “That every time we go to push the ‘start’ button on the fire engine and ambulance, everything works like it’s supposed to.”
First published in the Oct. 5 issue of the San Marino Tribune
