Novato Fire Protection District

The formation of the District was requested by the residents living in a 75 square mile area around the community of Novato in 1926. A committee was established and approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors on July 6, 1926 to oversee the organization. The Committee consisted of W. E. Cole, Chairman, L. Nave, Vice Chairman, and Dr. W. H. Busher, Secretary. Charles Kiser was appointed the first Fire Chief.

District Facts

Founded: 1926
First Fire Commissioners: W.E. Cole, L. Nave, & W. Busher
First Fire Chief: Chas Kiser
Present Fire Chief: Jeff Meston
First Fire Station built: 1930 @ Grant and Redwood Blvd (101)
Present Fire Stations: 4
Station 1: built in 1988
Station 2: built in 1991
Station 3: built in 1966
Station 4: built in 1976
Current area protected: 75 square miles
Population (Est.): 60,000
Personnel: 83 total (9 Staff, 5 Clerical, and 69 Firefighters).There are also 9 volunteers.
Equipment: 32 Units

First Fire Engine

The District's first mobile piece of fire equipment was a 1923 Ford Model T, now restored and displayed at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company headquarters. The truck was originally outfitted with a chemical tank when purchased by the citizens of Novato.

In1927, the chemical tanks were removed and replaced with a 160 gallon water tank along with a small fire pump. The conversion was done by a local blacksmith. The Model T was in service in Novato until 1939 when it was replaced with a 1938 Dodge Power Wagon. The Model T was sold to a dairy in Sonoma County. It was later sold to Bob Crandel of Sonoma County, whose father was one of the original Volunteers of 1933.

Mr. Crandel kept the Model T until 1976, and then sold it to a Novato Firefighter, Gene Fox. It was then purchased and restored by Fireman's Fund where it now resides. The Model T is often showcased at Parades and Fairs.

Timeline: 1926-2001

1926 Marin County Board of Supervisors grant Township to Novato. Novato officially becomes a Fire District.

1927 Novato Fire District Commissioners appointed: W.E. Cole, L. Nave & B. Busher. District Boundaries are formed.1927 First official Fire Chief appointed: Chas. Kiser

1927 Novato Volunteer Charter Organization filed.

1927 In June, Chief Chas Kiser resigned after 6 months.

1927 In July, the second Fire Chief was appointed: Joseph A. Stunt. First official fire hydrant installed at a cost of $ 2.00 per month. First official Fire Log started.

1928 In October M (E.T.) Tracey was hired as a caretaker for the engine and equipment. He was paid $ 15.00 a month.

1930 First Fire Station built on land purchased from O.A. Anderson. This was located on Grant & Redwood (Highway 101).

1933 Novato Fire District's earliest recording of personnel: 17 men (1 Fire Chief, 1 Engine caretaker, 15 Volunteers). In December M. (E.T.) Tracey resigns.

1933 Chief Charles Olson is hired to replace Joseph A. Stutt who became a Fire Commissioner.

1939 Chief Olson hires Fred Miller as first official paid Firefighter.

1948 Chief Olson retires after 12 years and Chief Fred Miller is appointed as Chief.

1952 Chief Miller resigns for health reasons. In September of 1952 a young, energetic & motivated George Cavallero takes over as the District's 5th Fire Chief.

1969 Chief George Cavallero dies in the line of duty while responding to a structure fire.

1969 In February, Assistant Chief Jack Kidder is appointed to Chief following the death of Chief George Cavallero.

1974 On June 6th, Measure K (Life Safety Program) was written by Commissioners Ray Landi, Bill Boyle & Richard W. Price and placed on the ballot. This would increase funding for Station 4, ambulances and personnel.

1975 Chief Jack Kidder resigns and Charles Onorato is appointed as the District's seventh Fire Chief.

1980 Chief Onorato resigns with a disability. Assistant Chief James Berthinier, with 20 years of experience in the District is appointed as the Districts 8th Fire Chief.

1980 Measure E (Paramedic Tax) passed in November.

1995 In May, James Berthinier retires after 15 years as Chief and 35 years in the Novato Fire District.

1995 In June, John Rentz is appointed as the Districts 9th Fire Chief.

1999 In September John Rentz retires.

1999 In October Jeff Meston become the Novato Fire Districts 10th Fire Chief and the only Chief to serve in both the 20th Century and 21st Century.