CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) --The City of Chula Vista is hiring 15 new fire recruits during the next year. The city is using a grant to pay for the additional personnel.
Chula Vista’s Fire Union President said earlier this year the city’s fire department was understaffed and had the worst response times in the state of California.
Chula Vista Fire Department Battalion Chief Richard Brocchini said the new recruits will greatly help the department, especially as the South Bay city undergoes another construction boom.
“This city is experiencing some great growth right now,” said Chief Brocchini.
Thousands of people could be added to the 268,000 who already live in Chula Vista. Thousands of homes are going up on the city’s east side and development is expected to begin within the next few years on the city’s western Bayfront.
Those facts played a role in the city’s decision to add the recruits.
“That’s a win overall for everybody,” said Brocchini.
The additions will allow Chula Vista fire engines to carry four people instead of three.
“We’ll have one more person in your time of need to help.”
Brocchini said the city will also update two older fire stations and add two new ones. The first new station is expected within the next 18-months on the city’s east side near the Millenia development. A second new station is being planned for the Bayfront.
“This is a great time for the Chula Vista Fire Department but more importantly the citizens of Chula Vista,” said Brocchini.
He said anyone interested in applying for one of the open fire recruit positions should go to the city’s jobs website.
