Marin Voice: Investment in future of San Rafael's fire protection a winning move

When an emergency strikes, as with the recent wildfires in Eastern Washington near Spokane, the question isn't whether the solution was in last year's budget. The question is: Are we ready for something like that? Being ready means never assuming that what worked yesterday will be enough tomorrow. New risks emerge, better tools become available and we continue learning how to better protect our community and the firefighters and paramedics who serve it. San Rafael already has an exceptional fire department. The opportunity is to build on that strength by continuing to innovate and explore new tools, ideas and partnerships that can make our firefighters and paramedics even safer and more effective. That's where the San Rafael Fire Foundation plays an integral role. Founded in 2014, it is an all-volunteer nonprofit that gives residents and businesses a way to directly support our firefighters and paramedics. As a member of the board, I've seen how that support can turn a practical need into something our firefighters can actually use. Some of the results might surprise you. A fire boat, a rescue watercraft, a drone and a bag designed to keep carcinogens away from a firefighter's family – these are very different tools, but they have something important in common. Each addresses a real need and shows what can happen when local government and community work together. Our fire boat program is a good example. In 2016, the foundation purchased a fire boat named Confidence, adding an important resource for emergencies along our waterfront. It was later replaced by Fire Boat San Rafael, which has since responded to emergencies, including the 2025 Canal Street apartment fire. Now we're building on that capability. The foundation recently purchased rescue watercraft that will be deployed to the fire department. Today, San Rafael has to borrow similar equipment from another agency. Soon, we'll have our own. What stands out to me is how quickly it came together. The foundation moved from identifying the need to purchasing the equipment in roughly two months. That's the kind of execution we need to see more of: identify a need, find a solution and make it happen. This invites a more fundamental question: How can we create more opportunities for innovative thinking to gain momentum? At times, this necessitates significant capital investment; in other instances, the solution may be very simple. After a fire, turnout gear can carry carcinogens until it is properly cleaned. That gear still has to be transported, sometimes in firefighters' personal vehicles, potentially exposing their family. As requested by the fire department, the foundation purchased specialized airtight and watertight bags to contain contaminated gear until it can be properly cleaned and sanitized. It's a simple solution to a problem most of us would never think about. San Rafael has a lot to be proud of. Our fire department has earned a 'class 1 public protection' classification, the highest rating available. But being excellent today doesn't mean we stop thinking about tomorrow. If anything, it gives us an opportunity to lead through innovative partnerships. Our firefighters and paramedics know the work and where the needs are. The city provides essential public investment and infrastructure. The foundation gives the rest of the community a way to bring something to the table too, whether that's funding, expertise, technology, an idea or simply the right connection. San Rafael has no shortage of people who know how to solve problems. Get the right people around a table, listen to each other and work toward a shared goal, and a lot can happen. Related Articles That's what I value about the San Rafael Fire Foundation. It creates another path for a good idea to become something useful. With Marinwood becoming part of the San Rafael Fire Department, I'm excited to welcome a new community into that partnership. Local government remains responsible for providing strong public safety services, but it doesn't have to do everything alone. That is how we prepare before the next emergency, not after it. On Oct. 11, from 8 to 11 a.m., the San Rafael Fire Foundation will host an open house, pancake breakfast, fire prevention awareness event and fundraiser at Terra Linda Fire Station 56. Please stop by, meet our firefighters and learn more about the work being done. Public safety shouldn't stand still. It should keep learning, adapting and preparing for what comes next. That's how we build a safer San Rafael together. Daryoush Davidi is running for the District 3 seat on the San Rafael City Council in the November election.