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Columbia College Fire Department

Established 1968

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Our Mission

Our mission is to provide life and property fire protection on the college campus and adjoining areas within Tuolumne County. The department also supports the Fire Technology, Emergency Medical Services and Search and Rescue Programs and provides career preparation and guidance to students.

Organizational Structure

Our department is modeled after that of many professional fire departments. The station is staffed 24 hours a day-seven days a week by college management, a Cal Fire officer, and student employee firefighters.

bullet Station operations are managed by a Cal Fire/TCFD Battalion Chief. He supervises up to eighteen personnel on three shifts.
bullet The facility, budget, and work experience program are managed by a member of the Columbia College management staff.
bullet Each shift consists of  a crew leader, engineers, and firefighters.
bullet All line personnel receive stipends from the college as student workers.
bullet Stipend amounts vary, and depend upon rank.

Our Tie to the CDF/Tuolumne County Fire Department

bullet The College maintains a cooperative agreement with the Cal Fire/Tuolumne County Fire Department.
bullet Our members are also members of Cal Fire/TCFD as Volunteer Firefighters
bullet Administrative, and training services are shared by the College and Cal Fire.
bullet Qualified members are eligible to receive the TCFD Volunteer Fire Fighter stipend.
bullet Protective clothing and other equipment is provided by Cal Fire.

Apparatus

bullet Engine 792 is a Type II  engine. It is a International Model 4900 built in 1998, with a 1250 gpm pump.  The engine is also equipped with hydraulic rescue tools (JAWS). It our primary emergency response apparatus.
bullet Breathing Support 795 is a Type I breathing air support unit. It responds to all structure fire and hazardous materials incidents in Tuolumne County. The unit is also equipped to perform low-angle rope rescue.
bullet Both pieces of apparatus are owned and maintained by the Tuolumne County Fire Department .

Our Facility

bullet The station was built in 1968. It has two apparatus bays, a dorm room, watch office, captain's office, as well as kitchen and study areas.
bullet We have added tool storage areas, new furniture, and technology enhancements.
bullet With the passage by voters of Measure-E, the college will be making substantial improvements to the station. The programming and design phase has been completed, and construction slated to begin in late May of 2008. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2009. The ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for June 16, 2008 at 10:00 am. Additional details will appear here, as they become available.

Requirements for Membership

The following are the minimum requirements for becoming a member of the Columbia College Fire Department:
Our application and testing cycles typically occur in December and May. For more information with respect to the applicationprocess, please send e-mail to:  Captain Preston Birdwell, our fire station manager, or contact the department at (209) 588-5207.

bullet You must be at least 18 years of age.
bullet You must have successfully completed a recognized Firefighter-1 academy, or possess a SFM Firefighter-1 certificate.
bullet Possess a valid California driver license, Medical First Responder, and a AHA Healthcare Provider CPR card
bullet Be enrolled in at least six units in residence (three units during the summer session) at the college at the time of appointment.
bullet Complete CCFD and CalFire/TCFD applications
bullet Appointments are subject to availability of positions, and final approval is made by the Cal Fire/TCFD Battalion Chief
bullet Successful candidates must complete requirements for, Hazardous Materials First Responder-Operational, ICS-200 and Confined Space Awareness within one year.

How to Apply for Membership

Please use the following procedure in order to apply for membership with the Columbia College Fire Department.

  1. Contact the department in person and obtain an application packet.
  2. Pay particular attention to due dates, if given.
  3. Complete the CCFD and TCFD applications as per the instructions included in the application packet.
  4. Inclusion of a up-to-date résumé is required.
  5. Please note that incomplete applications, or applications submitted to CCFD after the due date, will be rejected.

Emergency Response

The Columbia College Fire Department responds to emergency incidents on our campus and in a 56 square mile area of Tuolumne County. Our breathing support unit responds to all structure fires and hazardous materials incidents occurring in the county. We respond along with units from CDF/TCFD and local fire districts.

We respond to approximately 400 calls annually of which 70% of these are medical in nature. The remainder are fire,  other emergencies, and non-emergency calls for assistance. The wide range of calls gives our firefighters hands-on experience that is extremely valuable as a growth experience and as preparation for careers in the fire service.

For more information, send e-mail to: Preston Birdwell, our fire station manager.

Are you an alumnus of the Columbia College Fire Department? If so, we would appreciate hearing from you. We would like to know where you are, and what you are doing now. Please send an e-mail, or write to Captain Preston Birdwell. Thank you!

This page was updated on Friday May 23, 2008

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