Nicholas J. Silva, Chief

Happy New Year!

It seems each New Year we look back at the events of the year past and make resolutions for the year ahead.  I too look at the incidents and activities of the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department in the same way.  2009 was a busy and challenging year for me and the staff of well trained and motivated members of this local fire agency.
In review, 2009 was a year of reduced income, increased expenses, increased calls for service, increased regulations, and provided some fire and medical incidents not soon forgotten.  Last year we received additional funds from Sonoma County DES to repair our aging fire apparatus and increased our volunteer force by with three additional firefighter trainees.  The Department also purchased an officer trailer to be used by Board and firefighter staff to as a central location for meetings. training, and other department related activities.
2010 will be the year to focus on a *back to basics* approach.  Over the past few years the department with assistance from Sonoma County DES has received advanced training in many areas of service.  For example we have conducted training on firefighter self rescue, advanced auto extrication techniques, and members have participated in sophisticated hazardous materials training.  With many brand new firefighters, the basics will be the main focus so that they have a foundation to build upon as they progress through the program. We have also added additional programs as we attempt to provide a higher level of service to our community.  We have begun a fire prevention program to better educate the public about fire safety, medical emergencies and some safe driving habits. The department has also begun integrating some operations with other local volunteer departments to better  utilize other local resources for  equipment, training time, additional volunteers, and funding.  This looks like the model we will be using in the future of the fire service. We will also  continue to look for  new funding sources and grants to better equip our personnel and provide an enhanced level of service to all that we protect.
As always, thank you for your continued support of the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department and I hope that you have a happy, prosperous and safe 2010.

Nick Silva, Chief