The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has allocated $150,000 to help replace an outdated rescue vehicle used by the San Mateo County Volunteer Fire Brigade. King's Mountain when responding to emergency needs in a remote part of the area.
The one-time funding comes from Measure K, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax, with half covered by reserved funds and the other half by Superintendent Ray Mueller's district discretionary fund.
The $150,000 will offset the expected $244,175 price tag for the new vehicle, with the Fire Department paying the remainder.
The Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is part of the San Mateo County Fire Protection System and supports the Kings Mountain Fire Department in fire and emergency response. It serves residents in a fairly isolated area of the county along the Skyline Boulevard corridor between Highway 92 and Skeggs Point.
The brigade's current rescue vehicle is 28 years old, while the replacement will be a 2024-model North Star Emergency Response Vehicle 116-1 ambulance, built to the brigade's own specifications.
Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jim Sullivan said the new vehicle fills a unique response niche because its smaller size and design allow it to access areas most vehicles can't and serve as a backup when an ambulance isn't available.
"The brigade thanks the Board of Supervisors for its continued commitment to the partnership the County shares with San Mateo County's professional volunteer fire brigades to provide a high level of public safety for residents and visitors," Sullivan said.
For his part, San Mateo County District Three Supervisor Ray Mueller said he was deeply grateful to the Kings Mountain Fire Department who tirelessly protect not only their neighbors, but also the thousands of visitors who travel along Skyline Boulevard on their way to the coast.
"Their bravery and dedication inspire us all, and I am honored to have the opportunity to ensure they have the modern equipment they need to save lives when it matters most," he added.
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