"Battle of the Blue" East vs.West

On Friday afternoon some of our fire department family got together for the annual "East vs West" softball game. This year the West prevailed behind steady hitting and good fielding. The East team did well scoring 5 runs but it wasn't enough on this day. The event was a complete success. Everybody enjoyed a BBQ with the award winning recipe cooked by Mike Tapia and music supplied by Brian Aquino. Special thanks to Greg Tuyor for helping set up the event and all of the volunteers, families and "athletes" who participated.

CA Rangel

Project "Smoke Alarm Give Away" a success!

On April 25th several members of the San Jose Fire Department, Los Bomberos of Northern California, and the Girl Scouts of America teamed up to distribute approximately 200 smoke alarms. A properly installed and working smoke alarm is the single most important way to alert residents of a potential fire. This volunteer team walked four Mobile Home parks door to door and talked to residents about fire safety and the importance of having smoke alarms installed in their home. In addition to the smoke alarm give away several alarms were installed in mobile homes where the occupants needed help. This volunteer effort has provided multiple families a life saving tool. Their lending hand has made a difference and can mean a life saved, keeping a family intact, and a community safe. Great Job!

CA Rangel###

San Jose Fire Department Recognizes 57 Fire Department members

On Saturday April 10th, 57 Fire department members were recognized for their excellence in achievement, duty, and valor during the 2010 Fire Department Awards Ceremony. The highlight of the event included the presentation of the John McMillan Family Integrity and Trust Award. This award was posthumously given to Firefighter Felix Medrano. Felix's wife Belinda and son Robert,(pictured)were in attendance to accept. Congratulations to all of the award winners and the entire Fire Department family for their on going commitment to providing the best service possible to the community and to each other. Thank you to the members of the Award Recognition Committee for another successful event.

CA Rangel

Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld Retirement Dinner

After 33 years with the San Jose Fire Department Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld is retiring on June 25th. Please join us at a retirement dinner in his honor. Over the past 33 years the Fire Chief has served in every rank. He also held several administrative appointments. He looks forward to a long and healthy retirement and looks forward to sharing memories and stories at the dinner with the men and women he served with over the years. For full details click on the attached link.

http://www.csj.gov/enn/retirementtemp/june10/chiefvonraesfeld_6-25-10.pdf

SJFD Dispatchers Walk for Breast Cancer

2010 marks the third consecutive year that SJFD Dispatchers will be participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in San Francisco. As many know, they became involved in the walk after SJFD Dispatcher Cindy Hawke was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Cindy lost her battle in 2008, but the dispatchers continue to participate to raise money for breast cancer awareness, prevention and treatment. Each registered walker commits to raise at least $1,800.00. All money raised for the San Francisco walk stays in the bay area and is 100% tax deductible. Pictured here are Teresa Zagalo, Margaret Willey, Jennifer Burnham, Rahul Maharaj and Tracy Deitscham. All whom participated in previous years events. If you would like to donate, please go to http://www.avonwalk.org/ and click on donate now. Search for one of the names above, or make a check payable to the "Avon Walk for Breast Cancer" and forward it to San Jose Fire communications at 855 N San Pedro, San Jose ca 95110 Attn: Jenifer Burnham