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Welcome to The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department
Meet the Chief:
Fire Chief, Paul Joseph De Anda is a native of Somerton. Paul was born and raised in town and grew up in, what is now, the 200 block of East George Street. He is married to his wife, of 26 years, Ana Bella.
In 1981 Paul joined Somerton's then, volunteer fire department, under the command of Fire Chief, Jessie Muņoz. Shortly thereafter, the City of Somerton hired its first full time paid Fire Chief, Leland Young. While serving as a volunteer Firefighter under Chief Young, Paul was promoted to Captain of the Volunteers in 1982. A year later in 1983, Carlos Orozco became the second, paid, Fire Chief in Somerton's history. At the beginning of 1985 Chief Orozco vacated his position. In the interim, Paul was appointed as the Acting - Fire Chief and applied for this position. He was appointed as the permanent Fire Chief in August of 1985. Paul served in this position for 9 years and after a 10 year absence returned to fill the position in August of 2004. Chief De Anda has served the community as Fire Chief for a total of 11 years.
Click here for the Photos and Video Page
Fire Prevention Division
The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Prevention Division upholds the department’s mission statement with pride. “Service before self”, is a crucial way of life for the Fire Prevention Division. Caring and striving above all, to protect life and property, is the greatest way to demonstrate our strong belief in the department’s mission statement.
The Fire Prevention Division consists of two Fire Inspector/Investigators and a Public Information Officer under the direction of the Battalion Chief.
INSPECTIONS & CODE ENFORCEMENT
One of the most significant ways to protect life & property is fire inspections and fire code enforcement. The coordination with developers, contractors and other citizens to build and maintain a safe atmosphere is achieved by constant communication, detailed plan review and thorough fire inspections. Abiding by the fire code is essential to the safety of the public.
The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department has adopted the 2003 Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1) with amendments. (You may view the ordinance of the adoption of the fire code with amendments in the Document Library or click here to view the City of Somerton's Code of Ordinance)
Have you ever wondered what is in the fire codes? Fire codes must be purchased and are available through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). www.nfpa.org allows previewing codes at no charge. To view an NFPA code or standard, please click here.
In order to access and view the documents, you must register and create an account. The documents available through that website are designed to be viewed online: there are no "print", "save", "cut and paste", or "search" options.
Permit applications, guidelines, and other helpful information are available in the Document Library section of this website.
To contact a Fire Inspector, you may call (928) 722-7383 or email to JesseC@CityofSomerton.com .
PUBLIC EDUCATION
Euripides, a Greek tragic dramatist, once said, “The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man.” The importance of having knowledge and being aware of how to be safe in emergency situations, preventing the unthinkable and helping others when in need are what the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department pursues.
Informing the public through the media is an excellent way to educate the public. Our Public Information Officer interacts with other local agencies, newspapers, television stations and other media to let the public be aware of information that may affect them.
Public Education is coordinated by the Public Information Officer. If you are interested in obtaining information on how to protect your family from fire, you may contact our P.I.O. at (928) 722-7381.
FIRE INVESTIGATIONS
The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department’s Fire Investigators are primarily involved investigating the origin & cause of a fire. The fire investigators maintain coordination with the Somerton Police Department.
Under the Arizona Revised Statues Title 13, Chapter 17, arson is a criminal act. The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department will pursue criminal charges for any person or person(s) found committing or conspiring to commit arson.
Contact Information
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Fire Chief
PAUL DE ANDA
Address:
PO Box 638
445 E. Main St
Somerton, AZ 85350
work: (928) 722-7300
fax: (928) 722--7315
e-mail: PaulD@cityofsomerton.com
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Battalion Chief
RAY SMITH
Address:
PO Box 638
445 E. Main St
Somerton, AZ 85350
work: (928) 722-7300
fax: (928) 722-7315
e-mail: RayS@cityofsomerton.com
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Mission Statement:
- Has a service delivery methodology of: "Service before self".
- Believes that, "Community", is not only Somerton and the Cocopah Tribal Lands, but all of those persons who live in the surrounding areas and who travel its byways.
- Gains the public trust by keeping a positive attitude even in difficult and trying circumstances.
- Values employee contributions and promotes teamwork by facilitating their participation in the decision making processes.
- Believes in its employees and expects its employees to be the best Fire & EMS providers in the entire South Yuma County.
- Responds to all requests efficiently and take pride in providing the highest level of professionalism.
- Our citizens are our customers and we take pride in providing our service to them.
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