Belmont FD and community.

In a small city like Belmont the fire department and community have a close relationship.  The obvious can be stated; residents’ property taxes fund the fire department, but the bond between firefighter and resident goes deeper in Belmont.  The fire department, despite all it has been through the last three years, has taken great pains to stay involved in the community.  After 32 years of having an adjoined fire department with San Carlos, Belmont has recently opened its own department.  The split between the departments is still a sore subject for budgeters, city officials, and the residential community.  However, the fire fighters have taken the biggest hit, their salaries have been cut by 8%, and pensions and benefits by up to 20%.  Nevertheless, they still protect our community and volunteer their time to ensure the safety of Belmont. 

           

            One of the ways the Belmont fire fighters volunteer their time is by teaching a program on the weekends called “CERT”.  CERT stands for community emergency response training.  Our local heroes do not get paid for teaching this five-hour program.  They teach citizens first aid, CPR, and basic search and rescue training.  Every citizen that attends this program will leave CPR and first aid certified.  The fire fighters also reach out to the Belmont schools to teach the children fire safety.  They engage with the children by letting them try on their fire gear and explaining what it is for.  The schools can even schedule a field trip to the fire station, where the kids can climb a fire truck.  During Christmas, a fireman dresses up like “fire-fightin’ Santa Clause” and will take picture with local children from the community.   

            Citizen participation can affect the Belmont FD.  Attending city council meetings where the fate of the fire department and its funding is potentially decided is one way to make a different.  Citizens’ voicing their opinions during these meetings encourages community engagement and shows the FD that we care.  Citizens can volunteer there time during the CERT programs as well.  The community can participate by just thanking a fire fighter when we see them around town.  They do a lot for our community and a thank you means a lot.