CAL FIRE Welcomes New Members in Badge Pinning Ceremony

CAL FIRE San Diego Unit welcomed 66 new members to its ranks in a special badge pinning ceremony Saturday, January 26.

The symbol of the Firefighter’s Badge is the Maltese Cross, a symbol of protection. It means that the firefighters wearing the cross are willing to lay down their life, if need be, to protect the lives of others. It is certainly a firefighters’ badge of honor, denoting courage, training and the ability to work at death’s door.

During this colorful and moving tradition, family members of the newly welcomed firefighters pinned the badge on their loved one.

A Cooperative Agreement between the San Miguel Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE began on Dec. 31, 2012. The transition creates a new generation of cooperation, through a reduction of redundant staff positions, while maintaining firefighter staffing at all eight fire stations.

On Sept. 25, 2012 the San Miguel Fire District Board voted unanimously to approve a five and a half-year agreement.

Board President Chris Winter said the Cooperative Agreement "allows the District to proceed with a balanced budget, maintain the current level of service for our residents and provide for the long-term viability of the District."