Sacramento Fire Department Will Eliminate Boat Patrols

The Sacramento Fire Department will eliminate its boat patrol service along Sacramento and American River water ways beginning mid-July.

The elimination of the department's two boat patrols is likely to leave a gap other local fire departments will have to fill, said Sacramento Metro Fire Department spokesman Dale Turner.

Along the American River Sacramento Fire Department's boat patrol was typically responsible for a 10-mile stretch between Discovery Park and the Watt Avenue bridge. 

"That's where the gap is," Turner said. "It's a huge gap."

Occasionaly the team would travel further up river to assist Sac Metro's water rescue team in areas like Rancho Cordova's Riverbend Park as well as patrols through the Fair Oaks area, Turner explained.

Sac Metro teams are already responsible for the area spanning from the Hazel Ave. Bridge in Fair Oaks and past the walking bridge at Riverbend Park. The added responsibilities of patroling the new areas is a reality Turner and the rest of the Sac Metro team have to immediately prioritize.

"We just started talking about it," Turner said. "But how do we do this without taking away the services to our citizens who are our tax payers?" 

The announcement comes in the wake of a number of concerns during an uncommonly busy early summer season.

To date Sac Metro Fire water rescue crews have responded to 18 calls since Memorial Day, rescuing 53 people and two dogs, Turner said.

Water levels along the American River are not helping alleviate the busy season, either. According to the latest check by the United States Bureau of Reclamation, water levels along the American River were more than 13,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). Water rescue crews continue to advise all would-be swimmers and rafters of the dangerous conditions.

Sacramento Fire officials explain the boat patrol services will end July 16. Along with Sac Metro, Folsom Fire Department will likely assist in picking up some of the extra responsibility.

However, officials confirm negotiations will continue between the SFD staff and firefighter union members to possibly save the program if union concessions can be made.