Fourth Ambulance Put into Service in Cat City

Cathedral City Fire & EMS Expands Emergency Services with Fourth Ambulance as Part of Measure W Implementation

CATHEDRAL CITY — Medic 22, the department’s fourth fully staffed ambulance, made possible through the continued support of the community and the funding provided by Measure W is now in service, according to Cathedral City Fire & EMS.  This critical milestone represents a major step forward in improving emergency medical services, reducing response times, and enhancing public safety throughout the city.

But all of the celebration is about more than just an ambulance.

“Measure W was a promise to our residents to reinvest in their safety and today, with the implementation of Medic 24, we’ve delivered on that promise,” said Fire Chief Michael A. Contreras. “This ambulance isn’t just a new vehicle. It’s a symbol of progress, community investment, and our growing capacity to meet the needs of Cathedral City.”

The fourth ambulance rollout is supported by significant personnel developments and achievements , including the promotion of Chris Dietz to Fire Captain, Joe Richardson to Fire Engineer, and the promotion of an Ambulance Operator to Firefighter, along with the onboarding of three new hires to strengthen field operations.

Cathedral City and EMS highlights of the Past Year

1. Implementation of Medic 22 (Fourth Ambulance) – Expanded EMS coverage, reduced response times, and improved operational readiness, made possible by Measure W.
2. Direct Public Safety Investment via Measure W – Funding converted into life-saving services and field personnel, directly benefiting the community.
3. New Hires and Promotions – Strengthened leadership and staffing with the promotion of a Captain, an Engineer, and a Firefighter; hired three new personnel to staff the fourth ambulance.
4. Increased System Resiliency – Additional ambulance provides greater coverage during concurrent emergencies, peak demand, and major incidents.
5. Growth and Internal Advancement – Continued commitment to developing personnel through training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
6. CPSE Accreditation Progress – Achieved full accreditation, completed Strategic Plan and Community Risk Assessment, and hosted a successful peer review site visit.
7. Hurricane Hilary Response – Conducted over 60 rescues during widespread flooding, demonstrating excellence in emergency operations.
8. EMS Division Expansion and Reorganization – Developed a sustainable EMS system aligned with future growth and community needs.
9. ISO Rating Improvement – Improved fire protection classification, enhancing safety and reducing insurance rates for residents.
10. Operational Performance Improvements – Increased efficiency in response times, training compliance, and incident documentation through rigorous KPI tracking.
11. Community Risk Reduction Programs – Enhanced Sidewalk CPR, CERT, Stop the Bleed, and Car Seat Safety programs in partnership with schools and community groups.
12. PSAC Radio Rollout – Transitioned to a modern communications platform to improve inter-agency response and firefighter safety.
13. New Equipment and Ambulance Outfitting – Invested in state-of-the-art EMS gear, gurneys, monitors, and CAD systems.
14. Three-Year Strategic Plan Launched – Focused on service expansion, leadership development, training, and culture improvement.
15. Reputation for Innovation and Service – Cathedral City Fire & EMS continues to emerge as a regional leader in public safety, accountability, and community-first service.

“These accomplishments reflect more than a year of hard work of the men and women of Cathedral City Fire and EMS and all city employees,” said Chief Contreras. “They represent a vision for what a modern, responsive, and community-centered fire department can be, and our team is just getting started.”