Canyon Lake Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse presented the department’s 2025 Annual Report during the meeting of the Canyon Lake City Council on February 17.
In 2025, the department’s fourth year in service, firefighters responded to 1,120 incidents. They include 731 rescue/EMS responses, 39 fire responses, 118 service calls, and 232 other incidents.
The average response times were 0:48 for turnout, 5:17 for travel, and 5:59 for response. The 90 percent fractile response times were 1:31 for turnout, 5:17 for travel, and 8.35 for response.
Firefighters responded to 117 incidents outside the city. Riverside County/Cal Fire, Murrieta Fire & Rescue, and the Corona Fire Department responded to 73 incidents inside the City of Canyon Lake.
Firefighters completed more than 2,424 hours of training.
The department participated in Strike Team responses to the Hurst Fire and Eaton Fire, participated in a county-wide Wildland Fire training, conducted a three-day CERT training program, participated in EVMWD’s Water Leadership Program, implemented the use of Table command for chief officers, trained two department fire investigators, and hired two new captains, two engineers, two firefighters, and an office assistant.
A complete remodel of the station’s kitchen was completed.
The department hosted its 3rd Annual Open House on May 10 and its 3rd Annual Donuts with Santa on December 20. Firefighters participated in the Turkey Drive, Veterans Day Celebration, 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Fire Association Golf Cart Show, National Day of Prayer, JWC Charity Golf Cart Tournament, storytime at the library and Canyon Lake Community Church Preschool, Fiesta Day, Christmas Golf Cart Parade, and the Spark of Love Toy Drive.
Fire Engineer/Paramedic Jonathan “Jon” Sasse was named Firefighter of the Year. Michael Longobardo was named Reserve Firefighter of the Year.
