History
During World War Two, several volunteers started the Bonny Doon Civil Defense Team. After the war the name was changed to the Bonny Doon Volunteer Fire and Rescue. It was incorporated and made into a non-profit organisation in 1968. Naturally, the team needed a base and so in 1971 Frank Hellenthal generously donated one acre of land on Martin Road. This stopped the county from levying taxes to provide a station. With the $12,000 raised by the community, architect Kermit Darrow designed the firehouse, (known as Fire Station #32) and volunteers began building the station with donated materials. After the Loma Prieta earthquake, Measure E was passed and the fire team was given $700,000 to build the new station on the corner of Empire Grade and Felton Empire Grade. This is now Fire Station #34.
Funding for the Fire Team is based mainly from donations. A small part of our property taxes goes towards vehicle and equipment maintenance, plus training for the firefighters. Most of the new equipment such as the “Jaws of Life” and Defibrillator were purchased with money raised by the community. At the time of writing this article the Fire Team have one patrol vehicle, two rescue vehicles, two engines and one water tender which holds 3,000 gallons of water. There is always a need to update or renew old equipment.
All personnel involved with the Fire Team are volunteers. These include five board members who handle the financial decisions. The auxiliary group organising the fundraisers and making meals for the firefighters during a long fire. There are currently 12 active volunteer firefighters, consisting of 1 captain, 3 drivers/operators, and 8 firefighters. 11 of them are Emergency Medical Technicians. They answer an average of 200 calls per year, half of which require some form of medical treatment. It is estimated that 3.6 Bonny Doon firefighters show up for each call, compared to 2.1 for other volunteer companies.
Funding for the Fire Team is based mainly from donations. A small part of our property taxes goes towards vehicle and equipment maintenance, plus training for the firefighters. Most of the new equipment such as the “Jaws of Life” and Defibrillator were purchased with money raised by the community. At the time of writing this article the Fire Team have one patrol vehicle, two rescue vehicles, two engines and one water tender which holds 3,000 gallons of water. There is always a need to update or renew old equipment.
All personnel involved with the Fire Team are volunteers. These include five board members who handle the financial decisions. The auxiliary group organising the fundraisers and making meals for the firefighters during a long fire. There are currently 12 active volunteer firefighters, consisting of 1 captain, 3 drivers/operators, and 8 firefighters. 11 of them are Emergency Medical Technicians. They answer an average of 200 calls per year, half of which require some form of medical treatment. It is estimated that 3.6 Bonny Doon firefighters show up for each call, compared to 2.1 for other volunteer companies.