Establishing the Calimesa Fire Department
In 2012, Riverside County adopted a policy requiring all contract fire service cities to pay for three-person engine companies, despite the already high-quality level of service provided under the previous arrangement. Calimesa was never asked if there was an actual need for increased staffing, and never agreed to upgrade because the associated costs were simply unsustainable.
Among many others, Joyce McIntire of Calimesa expressed her concerns about the passing of her father in 1989, who went into cardiac arrest. She indicated that the police chief showed up within minutes to assist, but the fire department did not arrive until 45 minutes following 911 call. she further indicated her father may have survived if the fire department would have arrived sooner.
