January 1 marks the third anniversary of the Canyon Lake Fire Department, which launched after decades of the city contracting fire services with the county.
The city launched the department on January 1, 2022, at 8 a.m. Station 60 was officially renamed Station 1 as the new department began operations.
The department initially launched with a team of 11 full-time sworn personnel, 15 reserve firefighters, an administrative assistant/analyst, one Type 1 fire engine, one Type 6 wildland fire engine, two command vehicles, one reserve engine, and three shifts comprised of a fire captain, fire engineer, and firefighter/paramedic.
The department remains under the leadership of Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse, who was hired in February 2021 as a consultant and interim fire chief to help establish the new department. LaTendresse was formally sworn in as the department’s first fire chief on November 3, 2021.
Of the original 11 full-time sworn personnel, seven continue to serve with the department today. Since the department’s inception, several notable promotions and changes have occurred with the original personnel:
- Batallion Chief Michael Samuels retired on July 13, 2024, and was succeeded by retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Roberts.
- Engineers Tim O’Marra and Cory Willis were promoted to captains.
- Firefighter/Paramedic Nate Garcia was promoted to engineer.
- Part-time Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Moore was promoted to full-time engineer.
- Part-time Reserve Firefighter James Sanchez completed paramedic school, earned a bachelor’s degree in fire protection administration and technology, and was promoted to full-time firefighter/paramedic.
Since the launch of the department, the city purchased the property from the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association, renovated the inside of the station, painted the exterior of the station, and upgraded the apparatus bay. In 2023, a permanent 9/11 memorial monument was installed in front of the station, purchased with funds contributed by community members and through sponsorships and fundraising efforts. More than $35,000 was raised.
In 2022, the firefighters of the Canyon Lake Fire Department established the Canyon Lake Fire Firefighters Association to represent the firefighters of the department and to ensure that current and future members continue to be a part of the community through sponsored events, community involvement, and public relations. The Canyon Lake Firefighters Association was officially recognized by the State of California in August 2022 and officially established as a 501(c)3 in November 2022.
As the department celebrates its third anniversary, it continues to build on its mission of protecting the residents of Canyon Lake with professionalism and dedication.
“We’re excited about our future and we’re always looking to improve and enhance our delivery system,” Chief LaTendresse said.
