I'm excited to announce the launch of the Non-Represented Employees Advisory Committee, aimed at building trust, transparency, and collaboration. This committee will provide a valuable forum for non-represented employees to share concerns, ideas, and perspectives, and play an active role in shaping our organization's future.
We'll be sending out the policy and soliciting interest in joining the committee on September 6th. The committee will consist of representatives from various departments and divisions, ensuring diverse perspectives and ideas. If you're a fulltime non-represented employee and meet the qualifications noted in the policy, I encourage you to apply. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact, contribute to meaningful discussions, and help drive positive change within our organization.
I'm looking forward to seeing the positive impact we can make together. By working collaboratively, I'm confident that we can drive growth, improvement, and success. I'm eager to see the innovative ideas and solutions that will emerge from this committee, and I'm committed to supporting our employees in making a meaningful difference.
FINANCIAL REPORTING
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
We are thrilled to announce that the District's Finance Division has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for our Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. This esteemed recognition is a testament to the team's dedication and hard work towards excellence.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in government accounting and financial reporting, showcasing the significant accomplishments of our District. An impartial panel granted this prestigious award, acknowledging our report's high standards, constructive "spirit of full disclosure," and clear communication of our financial story.
This honor demonstrates our commitment to transparency and excellence in financial reporting, motivating users to engage with our reports. We are proud to have our work recognized across the District, and this achievement speaks volumes about our team's dedication and expertise.
Please join us in congratulating the Finance Division on this outstanding achievement!
AWARDED 2023 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT
We are also thrilled to announce that the District has been awarded the full Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) request, totaling $564,248.78 in Federal funding! This prestigious grant, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will provide critical resources for our firefighters.
The AFG program aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of firefighting teams across the nation. Our grant award will fund 60 dual-band radios and essential accessories, including remote speaker mics, batteries, cases, warranty, and software. This state-of-the-art equipment will significantly enhance our team's communication capabilities, ensuring seamless coordination during emergency responses.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to Lizy Silva for her outstanding efforts in securing this grant. Her dedication and expertise have made a tangible impact on our District's ability to provide topnotch emergency services.
This achievement demonstrates our District's commitment to prioritizing public safety and investing in the wellbeing of our community. We are proud to have our team's hard work recognized and supported by FEMA.
NEW TRUCK 74
The Cosumnes Fire Department recently received its new fire truck for Station 74.Afire truck is different from a fire engine in that it has a different purpose for its use. A fire truck is primarily used for rescue operations, ventilating structure fires, salvage work to prevent water damage to homes and businesses, overhaul work to minimize damage caused by fire, and of course, responding to emergency medical incidents. The fire truck has a large number of ladders, hooks, saws, and other rescue equipment, including the jaws of life. The truck company is assigned to Station 74 in Laguna but responds to all 157 square miles within Cosumnes Fire’s response district, including the cities of Elk Grove and Galt. Four personnel are assigned to a fire truck with at least one paramedic to provide advanced life support capabilities.
A fire engine’s primary purpose is to extinguish fires, and of course, respond to emergency medical incidents which make up approximately 75% of the emergencies the fire department responds to. A fire engine has approximately 750 gallons of water and a pump to increase water pressure received from a fire hydrant. It has a limited number of ladders and other rescue equipment as compared to a fire truck.Afire truck does not carry water, other than what is in the portable fire extinguishers it has. However, it has the capability of raising its over 100-foot ladder to flow water through a pre-connected pipe that is under the ladder. However, a fire engine is required to pump the water through the 100’ladder pipe.
The Cosumnes Fire Department has one truck company and nine fire engines. The new fire truck has been a long-time coming, with the previous fire truck purchased in 2006. Truck 74 will now have a “Tiller” in the back, which gives it the capability of maneuvering through narrow streets and intersections. Due to the continual growth of our community and increase in vehicles parked within neighborhoods, this new capability was important to include as we move into the future. Personnel training has begun and is expected to conclude in late fall with Truck 74 going into service in October 2024.
WILDFIRE DEPLOYMENTS
Cosumnes Fire Department participates in mutual aid with our neighboring agencies and is called on by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to assist in larger incident events.
According to CAL FIRE, the fire season in California and across the West is starting earlier and ending later each year. Warmer spring and summer temperatures, reduced snowpack, and earlier spring snowmelt create longer dry seasons that increase moisture stress on vegetation and make forests more susceptible to wildfire. This year has been no different, we have had a busy fire season thus far.
Current Deployments
•Park Fire (Butte County and Tehama County)
•Crozier (El Dorado County)
•Crazy Creek (Oregon)
•Courtrock (Oregon)
We thank all personnel who support our strike teams, maintain the safety of our surrounding areas, and assist with backfilling, enabling us to continue providing exceptional service to our communities while supporting mutual aid efforts.
Pictured above: Crozier Fire
Pictured above: Park Fire
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AT BBQ ON THE BEAT
On July 20th, personnel from Parks and Golf Operations and Rec Force 1 joined forces with the Elk Grove Police Department for a fun-filled event at Miwok Park. The BBQ on the Beat gathering drew over 300 local kids, who enjoyed a range of activities, including games, exploring park amenities, and touring a firetruck.The event was a great opportunity for community outreach and connection, with Rec Force One adding to the excitement with their energetic presence.
EMERGING LEADERS
EXPLORE ELK GROVE TOURISM BRUNCH
The Emerging Leaders program, part of the Recreation Division's professional development initiative, has been meeting monthly to prepare for the Teen Pathways Fall Formal, funded by Measure E, taking place in October. We invite you to support our community's youth by donating new or gently used formal dresses or suits, which will be accepted until October 6th at various locations, including Wackford Community Center, Laguna Town Hall, District Administration Building, Albiani Recreation Center, and the Cosumnes CSD Booth at GPF. Your contribution will help make this special event a success for our local teens!
On July 25th, several District staff members attended the Explore Elk Grove Annual Tourism Brunch at Slow and Low Smokehouse in Elk Grove. This event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with local partners and industry professionals, while gaining insights into the latest developments and initiatives in the Elk Grove community. Recreation Manager J Long delivered a presentation at the brunch, showcasing the upcoming CORE Recreation Center and highlighting the diverse services and programs that will be available upon its opening.
FREE FITNESS IN THE PARK
This summer, the community enjoyed free fitness classes in Elk Grove's parks on Saturdays from mid-July to early August. The 4-week series, held at various parks, offered a range of classes, including Yoga, Abs, Thighs & Buns, Full-Body Circuit Training, and Les Mills Body Combat. With approximately 70 attendees throughout the program, it was a great success in promoting health and wellness to the public. The free classes provided a wonderful opportunity for community members to experience new fitness activities and connect with others who share similar interests.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL PARK & RECREATION MONTH
The Cosumnes CSD Parks & Recreation Department celebrated Parks & Recreation Month in July, aligning with the National Recreation & Parks Association's theme "Where You Belong". To mark the occasion, the department created seven social media posts in collaboration with District Communications, which were shared on the District's social media sites throughout the month. Additionally, the National Parks & Recreation Month proclamation, approved by the Board of Directors, was presented to all Department Staff at the Parks & Recreation All Staff Meeting on July 17th. The department also hosted a Summer Olympics competition during its July Quarterly Meeting, where Jesus Ramos won the coveted Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot boxing gold medal, earning him bragging rights for at least a year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hot Summer Nights Concert Series
Fridays inAugust
LagunaTown HallAmphitheater
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Healthy Kids Extravaganza
September 7
EGAquatics Center
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
GPF All Staff Meeting
September 12
EG park Pavilion
8:30 am
Zoppe Circus
September 13 - 30
Elk Grove Park
PurchaseTickets Here
Elk Grove Multicultural Festival
September 14
District 56
10 am – 5 pm
Free Movies in the Park
September 21
Amundson Park
PROMOTIONS
Richard Haas – Battalion Chief
Bryan McLean – Battalion Chief
Christopher Schamber – Battalion Chief
Adam Nattrass – Fire Captain
Kyle Boehringer – Fire Captain
Kevin MacFarland – Fire Captain
Patrick Dellenback – Fire Engineer
Fire Recruit Class 24-01 – Firefighter
John Barkley
Michael Bates
Breyton Borja
Andrew Bowers
Cristian Camacho
Kyler De Lapp
Dylan Hocevar
Steven Inderbitzin
Willie Lafradez
Nhily Nguyen
Eric Olsen
Mark Prozorov
Carlitos Salamanca
Andrew Samano
Seth Schachter
Matthew Shuman
Ashley Pascual
Darren Vgot
Nicholas Zagyi
David Nakanishi – Park Maintenance Worker
STAFF HIGHLIGHT
Our Staff Highlight for this month is Carolyn Baptista. Carolyn has worked for the District since August 2004. For the past 20 years, she has taken on various roles within the District and is currently an Administrative Manager within the Fire Department.
Carolyn was raised in Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, and has resided in Elk Grove since 2004 with her husband, 16-year-old son, and two beloved basset hounds.
In her free time, Carolyn enjoys a variety of hobbies that bring her joy and relaxation. She loves wine tasting, completing jigsaw puzzles, and listening to audible books or podcasts. Festivals and comedy shows are amongst her favorite activities, and she cherishes spending quality time with her family and pets. Carolyn and her husband share a love for creativity and together they curate a Free LittleArt Gallery and host monthlyArtist Trading Card (ATC) swaps.
