01/16/2026
Community of Templeton
Over the past five years, significant changes have occurred at the Templeton Fire Department.
We believe the community deserves a clear and honest explanation of where we are today, and why staffing directly impacts public safety. Our goal is to support our firefighters while also supporting our community by listening to your questions, comments, and concerns.
Measure A and Its Impact
In 2019, Templeton voters approved Measure A by a 77% margin, establishing a $15 monthly per-parcel assessment to maintain local, accountable, and dedicated fire protection in Templeton. The community made it clear it wanted faster response times, firefighters focused exclusively on Templeton, and to avoid being absorbed into a larger system where service levels and response times could decline.
Staffing Under Measure A (Prior to the SAFER Grant)
In 2020, the district hired one Fire Chief, three Fire Captains, and one Fire Engineer. When the
engineer was off duty at night and on weekends, staffing relied on a full-time captain paired with
a reserve firefighter who was often newly graduated and inexperienced. This placed captains in an unsustainable role of driving and pumping the engine, managing the incident, and ensuring the safety of less experienced personnel simultaneously.
Measure A generates approximately $515,000 annually, and we are extremely grateful for the
community’s continued support.
What the SAFER Grant Changed
In 2022, a federal SAFER Grant funded two full-time engineer positions at no cost to the community. From February 2023 through February 2026, this allowed consistent three-person staffing, which is the industry standard. During a recent catastrophic downtown fire, Templeton Feed & Grain was tragically lost; however, nearby businesses were saved. Without the training and experience of the full-time personnel staffed that evening, the fire would have likely spread well beyond the original structure before mutual aid arrived. Firefighting is much like lifting a heavy beam. One person lifting alone is dangerous. Two trained professionals sharing the load is significantly safer and more controlled. While three firefighters are ideal, two full-time professionals are far safer than pairing one experienced captain with an inexperienced reserve.
The Decision Ahead (Not a Funding Request)
The SAFER Grant expires in February 2026. At that point, the department must choose between
reverting to an unpredictable reserve-based staffing model or maintaining a safer model with two full-time personnel assigned to the engine.
We are not asking for additional funding.
We are, however, asking the community to support our full-time staffing model, one full-time captain and one full-time engineer on the engine, and to engage with the Templeton Community Services District Board of Directors and General Manager regarding how budget funds are allocated.
For example, in 2019, Templeton Fire paid $135,000 annually in administrative fees. Today, Templeton Fire pays $341,000 annually. This is a 150% increase in administrative fees deducted from the department’s budget. We are simply asking the community to share its perspective with the Board on what should be the top priority in the community’s budget. If public safety is not identified as a top priority, the budget would remain unchanged. If the Board hears that the community places a high value on public safety, it can reallocate property tax funding to better support fire services. If additional funding were to be requested in the future, it would be directly tied to expanded services, such as transitioning from Firefighter/EMTs to Firefighter/Paramedics, beyond the level of service we currently provide.
Local Protection Still Matters
Templeton’s response area covers approximately eight square miles. Nearby CAL FIRE stations serve much larger areas and are often unavailable for immediate response. Ambulance response times can exceed 20 minutes, leaving Templeton firefighters as the only immediate emergency assistance for our community.
How You Can Help
The public is encouraged to attend the Templeton Community Services District Board Meeting on January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to support maintaining two full-time firefighters on the engine and to avoid a reduction in experience and the level of emergency care provided to Templeton.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to show your support, please email:
[email protected].
We are proud to serve the community of
Templeton and sincerely appreciate your continued support.
