The Ceres Emergency Services Division, will, in both reputation and action, become known as one of this state's premier organizations. We will actively pursue opportunities to expand the scope and nature of our services, while aggressively seeking alternative funding sources. Our objective is to maintain the fine line between maximum efficiency and effectiveness, balanced against having neither too much nor insufficient staffing. We will keep ourselves in "prize fighter" shape, carrying neither extra "poundage", nor working with too little to get the job done safely or effectively.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Ceres Department of Public Safety Emergency Services Division is to provide the highest level of life, property and environmental safety services. We strive to provide these services with the highest professional standards to all persons who have entrusted in us their safety and well-being. We dedicate ourselves to being an integral part of the community in which we serve through open communication with our constituents and by utilizing an ongoing strategic plan. We continue to employ and train a highly motivated and skilled team who are of unquestionable moral character and preserve the highest ethical standards with an unyielding dedication to service.

Code of Conduct
Foster Mutual Respect
Be Professional In All Relationships
Employ Positive Work Ethics
Do Not Accept Status Quo
Strive To Learn
Help Each Other Grow

Ceres Fire Department History
Ceres Fire Department began in 1911 as an all-volunteer agency. Volunteer Firefighters would go about their regular day jobs until the sound of the fire bell brought them all together to respond to emergencies and fight fires in the Ceres community. There were no full-time firefighters at the time and the Volunteers were members of the community with little or no real fire experience. Eventually, Ceres Fire Department hired a full-time Fire Chief and maintained a committed group of volunteers to support the daily functions of a fire department.

In 1987, the Fire Chief left the City, at which time, there was only one paid firefighter and 34 volunteers. The Ceres City Council decided to review the concept of a Public Safety Department comprised of both the Police and Fire Departments. After three months of reviewing the concept, the City Council adopted the Public Safety concept. In early 1989, two Battalion Chief’s, six paid Firefighters and a non-sworn staff member were hired full-time to assist the new Chief (Division Commander) and the growing department.

Today, the all-volunteer group has turned into a cutting edge paid staff team comprised of 15 Firefighters and 12 Fire Captains who report to the three Battalion Chiefs assigned to each shift, as well as a Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal, the Deputy Chief, and one Secretary. Line staff works 24 hours a day out of four stations, still supplemented by valuable Reserve and Intern staff.

The newest of the four stations is Fire Station No. 4, located at 3101 Fowler Road. Fire Station No. 4 is a one-story building of 6,905 square feet, with three administration spaces, two apparatus bays, one rescue boat space, and living quarters for eight Firefighters.

Ceres Fire Department has grown to service nearly 55,000 community members within Ceres and its two surrounding districts within our 15 square mile protection area. The Ceres Fire Protection District, with approximately 1,200 residents, stretches over the southeast portion of the protection area. The Industrial Fire Protection District, with nearly 4,000 residents covers the northern portion of the City along the river. The City population is estimated to be in excess of 40,000 residents. Reaching just over 4,958 calls for service in 2008, Ceres four fire stations respond to not only structure fires, but also a number of medical aid, rescue, public assistance and mutual aid calls as well. Nearly 72 percent of all of calls are medical in nature, requiring all Ceres Firefighters to be trained Emergency Medical Technicians, as well as Office of the State Fire Marshal Certified Firefighters.

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