Our Mission
The La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade exists to protect the lives, property and environment within the community and surrounding areas served from fires, disasters and emergency incidents through education, prevention, training and emergency response. As a Brigade we are a group of individuals organized to function as a unit in order to serve the vision, values and goals of our community.
The Brigade promotes equal service to all areas of the region in which it serves.
Values
The Brigade is committed to:
- Community Service – listen and respond to those we serve
- Diversity – respect individual differences
- Integrity – maintain the highest ethical standards
- Teamwork – strive for a collaborative relationship based on mutual trust and understanding – work together to resolve issues
- The Volunteers – our greatest asset
- Goals – Recruit, develop and retain qualified personnel
And to:
- Provide a healthy and safe working environment
- Provide training and equipment to successfully perform job assignments
- Provide educational opportunities for personal enrichment
- Recognize accomplishments and celebrate contributions to the organization
- Provide optimum service levels to meet community needs
- Maintain community identity in areas served
- Be innovative and utilize technology for service improvements
- Sample community input on quality of services
- Promote inter-district cooperation
- Recognize and act upon the need for fire prevention
- Control emergency incidents which threaten lives, property and the environment through effective emergency incident management
- Uphold the rich tradition of the La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade according to the beliefs and visions of its founders
The intent of this statement is to remind all volunteer firefighters of their purpose during service as brigade members and to establish a mission for all of us to work toward while keeping in mind the best interests or our community – our #1 priority.
Our Apparatus
R57
in service since 2010Rescue 57 is our transport and off-road capable rescue. It runs the majority of our calls, generally dispatched on medical aids, traffic accidents, and hazardous materials incidents.
R57 is equipped with tools for auto extrication, rope/cliff rescue, large animal rescue, hazardous materials, and MCIs.
E57
in service since 2016Engine 57 is our structural fire engine with a 1500 gallons-per-minute pump and a 500 gallon water tank, as well as a compressed-air foam system (CAFS). It is dispatched to structure fires, gas leaks, electrical lines down, and trees down.
E357
in service since 2004Engine 357 is our wild-land fire engine with a 1000 gpm pump, also with a 500 gallon water tank, as well as a compressed-air foam system (CAFS). It is off-road capable, designed to "pump and roll", or progressively lay long lengths of hose to surround and extinguish a fire.
Although typically dispatched on grass, brush, and landscape fires, it is also capable of fighting structure fires.
WT57
in service since 2002Water Tender 57 is a 3000 gallon tanker/pump combo with a 1000 gpm pump. It is dispatched to support fires where a water supply is difficult to establish.
U57
first in service 2001Utility 57 is all-purpose: used to haul equipment, tools, food, water, air bottles, personnel. It can respond to medical aids, be used to secure helicopter landing zones, and supports other calls and station operation in a variety of ways.
History
This organization dates back to June 1950 when Jack Glass, Cy Williams, Basil Willet and others formed the La Honda Canyon Community Hall Society at a local recreation spot called Troutmere. Their aim was to raise funds for the property and building of a community hall.
In 1954, the society sponsored the first Jr. Rodeo at the Glass Ranch to begin raising funds for a local fire department. This rodeo became a tradition to last many years. Over the years the group pursued fund raising and eventually purchased the property where the firehouse is today.
In 1965, the society changed its name to the La Honda Canyon Fire Brigade, adopting a new set of by-laws for their purpose. A decision to purchase a 1955 International fire truck was made and 19 volunteers signed on for training as firemen.
In July of 1965, the first fire truck entered town during the La Honda Days celebration along with a parade of marching bands, floats, riding clubs, classic cars, 4-H groups, Cub Scouts and numerous individuals with festive entries. By 1968, volunteers completed the new firehouse and it was officially dedicated by the Native Sons of the Golden West. The station has undergone several major remodels over the past 30 years in order to accommodate office space, an official San Mateo County Sheriff’s substation, and most recently improved training facilities.
Today the La Honda Fire Brigade remains as one of the last all-volunteer fire departments in the area. Staffed by a dedicated and professionally trained corps of volunteers, the brigade exists to protect lives, property and the unique environment of the rural portions of San Mateo County. Numerous community members act as an auxiliary to the Brigade donating their time and expertise during fund raisers and towards maintaining the firehouse. This long success can be attributed to the community at large. By supporting fund raisers and continuing annual membership (our primary sources of funding), the community demonstrates a strong spirit and insures all-risk protection for residents and visitors of the area.
