Heartland Fire & Rescue

On January 1, 2010, the Cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove entered into a joint exercise of powers agreement for management and delivery of fire protection and emergency medical services. This management team is known as Heartland Fire & Rescue.

The management team includes a fire chief, one deputy fire chief, a fire marshal, three division chiefs, a deputy fire marshal, five battalion chiefs, three fire inspectors, an emergency management coordinator, and five administrative support staff.

This unique cooperative fire services agreement provides cost containment opportunities, maintains local control, ensures a high level of fire and emergency medical services delivery, and maximizes resource utilization.

This cooperative service manages eight fire stations, nine engine companies, two truck companies, three paramedic transport units, and one battalion chief. The joint powers agreement serves a population of 180,000 and responds to approximately 20,000 calls for service each year.