The Grass Valley Fire Department is pleased to announce the hiring of its first firefighter funded by Measure B, a sales tax initiative passed by voters in March 2024. This new firefighter is the first of seven positions created to enhance the City’s fire protection and emergency response services.
The newly hired firefighter, along with a fellow recruit, completed a five-day new hire academy, focusing on essential skills such as emergency medical services (EMS), hose and ladder deployment, vehicle extrication, ladder truck operations, wildland fire attack, and structure fire attack. This comprehensive training equips both recruits to begin their duties during their probationary period at one of Grass Valley/Nevada City Fire Department’s stations.
This academy set a precedent for future training efforts, as the department prepares to welcome six additional firefighters in January 2025, also funded by Measure B. This expanded staffing will further enhance the department’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies.
Fire Chief Mark Button expressed his appreciation, stating, “We are grateful for the community’s support and trust. We look forward to continuing to elevate our service to the residents of Grass Valley.”
Measure B also supports a comprehensive vegetation management program, including defensible space inspections, green waste drop-offs, grants for fire mitigation efforts, and home hardening initiatives. “These measures are critical in helping our community prepare for the increasing threat of wildfires,” Chief Button added.