About Heartland Fire & Rescue

Heartland Fire Rescue Serving the Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove

On January 1, 2010, the Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove entered into a joint exercise of powers agreement for organizational management of fire protection, fire prevention services, emergency medical services, and community emergency preparedness. This cooperative sharing agreement is recognized as Heartland Fire & Rescue, an Insurance Service Office (ISO) Class 1 Fire Department.

Management Team

The Heartland Fire & Rescue management team is inclusive of: 

  • Fire Chief
  • Division Chiefs (3)
  • Fire Marshal
  • Battalion Chiefs (5)
  • Deputy Fire Marshal
  • Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
  • Management Analysts (2)
  • Administrative Support Staff (2)

This single management team is a shared expense among the three cities. This unique cooperative fire services agreement provides cost containment opportunities, while maintaining local control. This combining of management responsibilities of three neighboring cities ensures a high level of fire and emergency medical services delivery, and maximizes resource utilization by eliminating management redundancies that are experienced as separate organizations.
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Locations, Staffing, and Equipment

Heartland Fire & Rescue is comprised of eight fire stations. Staffed daily are:

  • Nine Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder Engine companies, with one being a certified Medium Rescue
  • One ALS Squad
  • One Operational Battalion Chief
  • Two ALS First Responder Truck companies

The joint powers agreement of Heartland Fire & Rescue serves a population of over 186,000 and responds to approximately 22,000 calls for emergency services each year. Over 130 proud, professional, dedicated men and women make up this organization. 

Ambulance Transport 
Provided through contracted service with American Medical Response. 

Other Heartland Organizations in the Region

Heartland Fire & Rescue is a founding member of the Heartland Communications Facility Authority. This Authority provides dispatch services for multiple agencies who make up the Central Zone departments. 

Heartland Fire & Rescue is also a founding member of the Heartland Fire Training Facility Authority. This organization provides training and a shared training facility with the partners of the Central Zone.

County Service Area (CSA) 69 Heartland Paramedics provides ambulance service in Santee, Lakeside, and some unincorporated areas. Call the phone number on invoices or visit the San Diego County Service Area page for more information.

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