Spring is here and so much is happening at your fire station. Read on for volunteer highlights, response updates, training news, and upcoming events. Thank you for being part of the FFPD community.
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Owen
Owen — Volunteer Firefighter, FFPD
Owen has wanted to be a firefighter since he was a little kid. His mom used to take him to the fire station near their home, and he was hooked. At 15, he walked up to Santa Cruz Fire Station 1 and simply asked how to become one. That boldness led him to the Fire Science ROP Program at Santa Cruz High School — and by 18 he had already passed his EMT test.
Today Owen volunteers at FFPD while working as a licensed EMT and lifeguard for Santa Cruz County Fire — all while working toward his FF1 certification. In his spare time he volunteers with Ride A Wave and Walk in Water, teaching youth with special needs how to surf.
His favorite part of FFPD? The friendships. "They are just like brothers," he says. The hardest part? Learning to balance two families — because that is exactly what this crew has become to him.
Fun Facts About Owen
Favorite food: Steak and sushi — it is a tie
Favorite breakfast: Waffles from the Joy of Cooking recipe
Hidden talent: He loves to draw and cook
Owen is one of 25 firefighters currently serving your community. Want to join the team? Visit feltonfire.com
Response Stats and Community Impact
By the Numbers
Your FFPD team responds to emergencies around the clock. Here is a snapshot of our impact:
| ~900Emergency calls responded to annually |
89%Calls answered within 2 minutes |
70%Crews on the road within 60 seconds |
Every single call matters. Thank you for trusting FFPD to show up for you.
Training and Preparedness
Stokes Basket and Lashing Drill
Your FFPD crew during stokes basket and lashing training at the station
Your crew has been putting in the work. This month FFPD firefighters trained on stokes basket packaging and lashing — a critical skill for technical rescues in our rugged Santa Cruz Mountains terrain. Whether it is a steep hillside rescue or a remote medical emergency, knowing how to properly secure and transport a patient makes all the difference.
FFPD is committed to ongoing training so that when you need us, we are ready.
Community Event Recap
Touch-a-Truck — April 11th
Families got up close with our crew and equipment at Touch-a-Truck on April 11th
On April 11th, families and kids from across the Felton community came out for Touch-a-Truck — a chance to get up close with our equipment, try out the hose, sit in the driver seat, and meet the crew firsthand. Events like this are why we do what we do.
Stay tuned for more community events this spring and summer — including our Summer Movie Night!
Firewise and Community Safety Tip
Does Your Home Have a Reflective Address Marker?
This simple step can make a life-saving difference. When your FFPD crew responds to an emergency, finding your home quickly matters — especially at night or in smoky conditions.
How to get yours:
- Reflective address signs are printed and can be picked up at Zayante Fire Department
- Install at mailbox height — 36 to 48 inches — visible from both directions
"You do not need to be a firefighter to support Felton Fire. A reflective address marker is one of the easiest things you can do to help us help you."
Important: Fire Benefit Assessment
Your Voice Matters — Ballot Coming in June
FFPD is pursuing a Prop 218 Fire Benefit Assessment to secure the future of your local, independent fire department.
- 86% of homes would pay $642 or less per year — about $54 a month
- Funds restricted to ballot-listed services only
- Surplus funds returned to property owners
- Community oversight committee verifies all spending
- Ballots mailed in early June — deadline July 22-23, 2026
Come to a town hall — we want to hear from you:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| April 18 | Saturday · 6:00 PM · 131 Kirby St. |
| May 6 | Wednesday · 6:00 PM · 131 Kirby St. |
| May 16 | Saturday · 6:00 PM · 131 Kirby St. |
| June 17 | Wednesday · 6:00 PM · 131 Kirby St. |
| June 27 | Saturday · 11:00 AM · 131 Kirby St. |
All meetings at Felton Fire Station · 131 Kirby St. · Zoom available · *June 27 at 11:00 AM · All others at 6:00 PM
Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendar
- Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast — May 11th, hosted by Felton Fire Auxiliary
- Felton Remembers — May 24th, Party in the Park, presented by FBCA — come find us there!
- Summer Movie Night with Ice Cream Social — July (date TBD)
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