NATIONAL CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

“MORE THAN A CENTURY OF DEDICATED SERVICE”

A HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

Since 1887, the National City Fire Department has proudly served the community through generations of dedicated firefighters, evolving from a volunteer fire company into a modern, all-hazards emergency response organization.  Explore the milestones that have shaped our department and our continued commitment to protecting the people of National City. 

1887 – The Beginning

The National City Firemen’s Club, originally a volunteer organization, was formed on September 10, 1887. Despite early internal conflicts, the organization survived and is now known as the National City Fire Department.

1910 - First Fire Station

The department initially relied on manpower to operate hose carts and a hook and ladder rig. These were housed at the corner of 16th Street and Taft Avenue, with another hose cart located at 8th Street and National Avenue. In 1910, the first fire station was built at 13th Street and National Avenue, serving as both a fire station and city hall until 1954. It continued to serve as a city hall and police station until it was torn down in 1966 to make way for the new Civic Center.

1912 – First Motorized Apparatus

On April 6, 1912, the City purchased its first motorized fire apparatus, a Seagraves pumper. This pumper, propelled by an 80 horsepower air-cooled engine, could reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour. It carried 1,200 feet of 2 ½ inch fire hose and a 40-gallon tank of chemicals.

1922 – Paid Fire Chief and Growth

In 1922, the City hired its first paid Fire Chief, W.S. Carvell, followed by James Bird in 1924. The department continued to expand, adding more staff and equipment throughout the 1940s to meet the growing needs of the City.

1925 - New Pumper Purchased

In 1925, a new Seagraves 750 gpm Class B pumper was purchased and the original 1912 pumper was retired.  The 1925 Seagraves pumper is no longer in service, but is occasionally used for parades and social events. R-1 is housed at Station #34 and is a fine example of antique apparatus and a tribute to the care and maintenance given it by generations of Firefighters.

1935 – Fully Paid Department

In 1935, the National City Fire Department achieved a significant milestone by becoming a fully paid department, no longer dependent on the services of dedicated volunteers. At that time, the department consisted of just five firefighters. As the needs of the city grew, so did the department. Throughout the 1940s, the department underwent expansion, adding more staff and acquiring additional equipment to meet the increasing demands of the community.

1950 - New Programs and Facilities

In 1950, J. Clifford Bailey became Fire Chief, implementing new programs and policies, including the requirement of uniforms. Chief Bailey was instrumental in establishing the Fire Science program at San Diego Community College. The initiation of this program marked a significant milestone in the advancement of higher education for firefighters, playing a crucial role in equipping them with the necessary skills for modern firefighting. Chief Bailey's outstanding achievements included his appointment as the President of the California Fire Chiefs' Association in 1965, further distinguishing both himself and the department he led.

1954 – New Headquarters

In 1954, a new fire station was constructed at the corner of 16^th Street and “D” Avenue.  This station served the City as the Headquarters Fire Station until it was demolished in October, 2003 to serve as the site of the new Station which was dedicated in June, 2005.

1956 - Further Developments

Throughout the years, the department achieved several milestones, including the establishment of the Fire Prevention Bureau in 1956, the hiring of the first full-time dispatcher in 1959, and the creation of Fire Station #2 in 1961.

1968 – Three-Platoon System

In April 1968, Assistant Chief Leland B. Bacon assumed the role of Fire Chief, succeeding the retiring Fire Chief J. Clifford Bailey. In the same year, the National City Fire Department achieved another milestone by becoming the first department in San Diego County to implement the three platoon (three shifts) system, ensuring continuous coverage. Additionally, recognizing the need for additional leadership, the department established the position of Battalion Chief, with Captain Kenneth Joyce being selected to fill this new role.

1970s - Modernization and Service Expansion

In the 1970s, the National City Fire Department witnessed changes in leadership. Chief Bacon retired in 1973, paving the way for Battalion Chief William Wright to assume the role of Fire Chief until 1979. Following Chief Wright's tenure, Chief Richard B. Bridges took over and served as Fire Chief until April 1983.

During this period, the department experienced growth to effectively address the city's evolving needs. Additional staff, including firefighters and support personnel, were hired to strengthen the department's capabilities. In 1980, an important step was taken as dispatching responsibilities were transferred to the Chula Vista Police and Fire Dispatch Center, optimizing emergency communication processes.

In 1983, Randy L. Kimble was appointed Fire Chief, bringing his expertise and leadership to the department.

1984 – Station 31 Opens

The following year, in February 1984, a new fire station, Station #31, was constructed at 2333 Euclid Avenue. This facility served as a testament to the department's commitment to expanding infrastructure and enhancing service delivery.

1989 - EMS Enhancements

Additionally, in 1989, the City implemented the Emergency Medical Defibrillation (EMT-D) Program. Through this program, all emergency response personnel became certified as EMT-D's, receiving the necessary training and authorization to utilize emergency defibrillation machines to assist victims of heart attacks.

2003 - Enhanced Services

In October 2003, the National City Fire Department witnessed the demolition and subsequent rebuilding of Headquarters Station #34. The new station was reconstructed on the same site at the corner of 16th Street and "D" Avenue, providing an upgraded facility to better serve the community.

Continuing the timeline of advancements, in September 2004, Roderick Juniel assumed the role of Fire Chief, bringing his expertise and leadership to the department. The following year, in June 2005, Fire Station #34 was completed, further expanding the department's infrastructure and operational capabilities.

2004 - New Fire Engine Purchased

During this period, the department also focused on upgrading its fleet. In 2004, a new Pierce engine was put into service, enhancing the department's firefighting capabilities with modern equipment. The commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art apparatus continued in 2006, with the purchase and deployment of another Pierce engine.

2007 – Paramedic Program Begins

On January 3, 2007, the National City Fire Department launched its long-awaited Paramedic Program. At 8:09 a.m., the department proudly marked its first paramedic response, a culmination of 30 years of dedicated efforts. This program stands as a testament to the department's unwavering commitment to becoming the premier fire department in every aspect of its operations.

2009 - 105-foot Fire Truck Purchased

Continuing the journey of progress, November 3, 2009, marked another noteworthy moment for the department. On this day, a state-of-the-art 105-foot Pierce Arrow XT Aerial Fire Truck was placed into service. This cutting-edge apparatus not only provided an extended reach for aerial ladder operations but also enhanced equipment capacity, equipping the department with advanced capabilities to tackle fire and rescue challenges efficiently.

These developments signify the National City Fire Department's dedication to modernization, ensuring that they remain equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment to effectively serve and protect the community.

2010 - Ongoing Commitment

In April 6, 2010, a new chapter began for the National City Fire Department as Chief of Emergency Services Francisco "Frank" Parra assumed the role of Fire Chief, succeeding retiring Fire Chief Roderick Juniel. Chief Parra, a lifelong National City resident, made the significant decision to resign his City Council seat to accept this new leadership position, showcasing his deep commitment to serving the community.

2011 – First CERT Academy

The department continued its dedication to community preparedness on January 6, 2011, by organizing the inaugural Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy. This program provided National City residents with valuable training in disaster preparedness, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively during emergencies.

2017 - Fire Station 33 Established

On October 10, 2017, an important operational change took place as the Department commenced responding to emergency medical calls from Fire Station 33. The station was staffed with a Squad comprising a Fire Captain and Firefighter Paramedic, enabling swift and proficient emergency medical response to better serve the community.

2020 – LISTOS Program Launches

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and community outreach, on October 4, 2020, the Department launched the first LISTOS disaster preparedness training specifically tailored for the Spanish-speaking community. This initiative aimed to empower and educate individuals within the Spanish-speaking population, ensuring that vital disaster preparedness information reached a broader audience.

2022 – Chief Sergio Mora Appointed Fire Chief

In November 2022, the National City Fire Department experienced a change of command as Chief Para assumed the role of Acting City Manager, paving the way for Battalion Chief Sergio Mora to step up as the 10th Fire Chief of the department.

2023 – Daily staffing increased to 14 personnel

On April 18, 2023, a significant milestone was achieved in the department's history. Daily staffing for the National City Fire Department increased to 14 on-duty personnel per day, with Engine 34 becoming the first engine in the fleet to adopt a 4-0 staffing model, adding an additional firefighter to their crew.

2024 – Emergency Management Division Established

In 2024, the National City Fire Department established the Emergency Management Division to address the growing need for disaster preparedness and community resilience. This new division enhances the department’s capacity to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from both natural and human-caused disasters. Additionally, it strengthens regional coordination, grant development, strategic emergency planning, and community preparedness programs.  Walter Amedee was promoted to Emergency Manager to lead this new initiative. In this role, he becomes the department’s first dedicated Emergency Manager, overseeing the City’s resilience and emergency management programs.

2025 – Achieves ISO Class 1 Rating

Effective May 1, 2025, the National City Fire Department earned the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) Class 1 rating, the highest classification awarded to fire departments nationwide. This distinction recognizes the department's excellence in emergency communications, fire suppression capabilities, water supply, training, and community risk reduction efforts. The achievement reflects decades of dedication to providing exceptional fire protection and emergency services to the National City community.

As the department enters its second century of dedicated service, the unwavering dedication to the citizens of National City remains at the forefront. With a forward-thinking approach, the department continually strives to meet the evolving needs of the community, embracing emerging technologies and best practices to ensure the highest standards of professionalism and care in all their endeavors.