Greetings, 

Placer County has experienced a significant rise in the frequency and severity of disasters during the past three plus years. Since 2020, the County has experienced five disasters that have led to state and federal disaster declarations, including the Mosquito Fire, the largest wildfire in the history of Placer County.

Given the long history of successful cooperation and collaboration among the Placer County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Placer County Fire (PCF), and Placer County Office of Emergency Services (OES) in emergency settings, the County is forming a new, innovated model to emergency management to allow PCSO, PCF and OES representatives to work together more closely. This integrated model would increase collaboration and allow for more effective advance planning, communication and response. The proposed mission of a reformed OES is to foster a resilient and prepared Placer County through effective, efficient, and coordinated risk reduction efforts.

This innovated approach will be the first known model of its kind in the state and will reinforce Placer County’s strategic priorities and commitment to emergency planning.

This new model will include OES staff, as well as a dedicated new Sheriff’s Lieutenant allocation as well as a dedicated new contracted PCF Assistant Chief. The Lieutenant will manage and direct the law enforcement activities of the Emergency Operations Center, coordinate law enforcement mutual aid, provide jurisdictional leadership for evacuation planning, and manage special teams for the Sheriff’s Office including Air Operations, Search and Rescue, and the Dive Team. The PCF Assistant Chief will manage and direct the fire rescue activities of the Emergency Operations Center and will provide administrative and operational management of the PCF/OES HazMat Response Team, jurisdictional collaboration in countywide evacuation planning, and oversight of Community Preparedness and Wildfire Mitigation programs mandated by state law.

The Board of Supervisors is excited to approve this very important enhancement to protect our residents at all times.

As a last note,  please give a thank you and a friendly wave to the Placer County Public Works employees, including the road crews, tree crews and snow plough operators who have worked heroically and tirelessly during these past weeks of storms to keep our roads open and safe.

Warm Regards,