County Supervisors recognize Mountain View Fire Department as it celebrates 150 years
SAN JOSE – Honoring the Mountain View Fire Department (MVFD) on its 150th anniversary, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and his Board colleagues recognized MVFD’s service to the community with a commendation.
One of the oldest officially formed fire departments west of the Mississippi River, MVFD is celebrating 150 years of service this year. The department was formed in 1874, when 50 civic-minded residents came together in a “Rogers & Rogers” department store and organized the city’s first brigade, called “Mountain View Station Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1.”
“Congratulations – 150 years is a whole lot of history, service, and dedication,” said Simitian. “Fire departments are truly the lifeline of a community; they show up when we need them most. Here’s to the next 150 years of keeping our communities safe and sound.”
MVFD provides fire protection and emergency services to Mountain View residents, with a focus on saving lives and property, protecting the environment, and minimizing the risk of fire and natural disasters by investing in education, training, and prevention.
Highly valued and respected by residents, MVFD has been recognized with a Class 1 Public Protection Classification from the Insurance Services Office, an organization that independently evaluates municipal fire protection efforts in communities across the United States. The Class 1 rating is the highest possible score, and MVFD is among a handful of fire agencies in California and nationwide to receive this ranking.
The Department has also been a critical partner to neighboring fire agencies, including the Santa Clara County Fire Department, as well as to the State of California, by regularly participating in mutual aid to assist with wildfires and other emergency incidents.
“The City of Mountain View Fire Department is honored to mark the historic occasion of celebrating our 150th anniversary – one of the earliest officially formed fire departments west of the Mississippi River – and being recognized by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors,” said Mountain View Fire Department Chief Juan Diaz. “The Department is proud of our service to the community, our partnership with neighboring fire agencies and the legacy of excellence we continue to forge in the Santa Clara Valley. We look forward to the years ahead of faithfully carrying out emergency services to the community while strengthening our ties with our partners in the Silicon Valley.”
Photo courtesy of the City of Mountain View Fire Department.