(April 20, 2010) Fire chief Chris Wilkes requested funding for new structure turnouts for the department’s volunteers. Born and raised in Willits, Wilkes joined the Little Lake Fire Protection District as a 21-year old volunteer firefighter. From there he managed to work his way through the ranks of the fire district by means of education, dedication and hard work. He is now the very proud Fire Chief of 40 strong volunteers.

I called and spoke to administrative assistant, Michelle Schitzius. When I gave her the news of the grant, she almost started to cry. It turns out that this grant will be helping in a big way, and I mean that literally. They have a new gentleman (Aaron) who just joined the department and they do not have a suit to fit him. At 6’5″ and 360 pounds, this needs to be a special order.

Michelle told me he wants to do all he can but he can only fit into a jumpsuit now, which is not safe for going to structure fires, only collisions. “This is amazing and he will be so happy,” she said. And I am so happy to do my part.

(July 10, 2020) All the new equipment has arrived! Check out all the photos…

Service to the community runs in the family in the Yolo Fire Department. I spoke to Battalion Chief Manuel Tafoya this morning to congratulate him on the $5,000 grant they are being awarded. He told me his father started with the department in 1972 and just retired last year. His brother Dan is the Chief and his other brother Gabe is a Lieutenant. Not to be outdone, currently Captain Chuck Hermle who joined in 1979 has been joined by his daughter Stephanie to keep their family legacy going in Yolo. What wonderful legacies of service both families have contributed to the community.

The grant request was made to replace their current wildland fire gear. With the life span of about 10 years for both structural and wildland gear, both have become costly. With several sets of both going out of service each year they can no longer keep up. I am happy to help keep the Yolo volunteer firefighters safe.

(Oct. 31, 2020) The new PPE have arrived and Chief Tafoya sent photos and a note. “With Jennys Grant we were able to outfit four of our firefighters. Two with complete sets of Structure Turnouts and Two with complete sets of Wildland gear. We are so greatly appreciative four Jennys generosity and kindness. It is not very often that a celebrity takes the time to thank nor help public safety personnel with gifts like these.”

Pictured are Battalion Chief Manuel Tafoya and Firefighter Nick Curtrught

(April 20, 2020) “Wow! That’s awesome!” It sure was nice to hear that from Fire Captain Neil Gamez. I called today to let him know they would receive a grant of $5,000 to purchase new wildland firefighting personal protective equipment. He told me they applied last year so he was very happy to be selected this year. His department will be receiving:

5 Helmets with neck shroud
5 Nomex Coats
5 Pairs of wildland gloves
5 Nomex Pants
5 Wildland line gear
5 hydration packs
5 Wildland goggles

All gear will be compliant with NFPA 1977 standards and will greatly improve the safety of our Twain Harte Fire Department members.

(July 10, 2020) The new equipment has arrived!

The Long Valley Volunteer Fire Department provides initial response to wildland fire in the Plumas National Forest which surrounds their district and community. They need to replace firefighter wildland pants and shirts as well as extrication/medical jumpsuits for their members. This grant of $4,080 will allow them do purchase all of this gear. They are the primary agency for structure protection within their district and outlining areas in cases of mutual aid request and are the response agency for all traffic accidents within their district.

I called Steven Peters today with the good news and he was so excited. “Seriously? Did we win?” He said he’d been checking every day and even shared the news at home, “We got the grant, babe!” It was my extreme pleasure to make this call today.

(Sept. 13, 2020) I heard from Chief Peters, who sent in this great photo with this note: “These are one of the nicest pieces of gear we have gotten in years. We are so proud and honored by Mrs. Jones’ generosity to our Department. Our photograph includes three of our newest recruits who I hope to be able to outfit with the same suits this fiscal year.”

From left: Joel Warman, Chris Realin, Ryan Jeremica, and Chief Gary Patten pose next to their new fire engine at the Rescue Fire Department station 1. The engine was funded by a FEMA grant and awarded to the station in January. The new engine will replace the old urban interface engine used for structure and wild land fires. The 2007 Pierce Custom Contender engine should be in service within the next several months before December of this year. Democrat photo by Megan Jeremica

(April 20, 2020) I spoke to Fire Captain Joel Warman to share the news of his department’s $1,800 grant to provide two thermal imaging cameras. They would allow each person working on the engine company a thermal imaging camera to assist in rescues at structure fires and other emergency situations.

(July 10, 2020) The cameras have arrived – check it out…

(April 20, 2020) I reached out to Kay Oring, president of the Stones Bengard Community Service District, to share the news of the $8,500 grant they will receive for personal protective equipment for their firefighters. She told me they have a lot of trouble getting volunteers so I hope having this new safety equipment might help get some new recruits.

(April 28, 2020) This photo just came in and was taken at the department’s drill this past weekend….

(Oct. 22, 2020) All the equipment has arrived and here are some photos (taken with social distancing, or course).

(April 20, 2020) reflective coats are sure to be valuable as this department responds to hundreds of calls every year. I’m happy to help.

(May 1, 2020) Chief Moreno sent me a little picture slideshow to highlight some of the terrific things his department does for the citizens in Sutter Creek. To view the photos, click here: Sutter Creek Photos

(June 30, 2020) The coats have arrived and Chief Moreno sent in this photo – they look so good!

A rapid-intervention air supply pack contains an emergency air supply bottle and accessories used to rescue a volunteer firefighter should he or she become trapped or incapacitated. This $5,000 grant might help save a life and I’m happy to make it available . I called Chief Ari Delay today and he said this was fantastic and he appreciates the support. “I will let the troops know,” he said. “I know they will be excited.”