Fire Department | City of Sierra Madre

Chief, Brent Bartlett

As Chief of the Sierra Madre Fire Department, it is both an honor and a privilege to serve this remarkable community alongside the dedicated men and women who make up this department. Each year presents its own set of challenges, but 2024 – 2025 was a test unlike any other. From the relentless threat of wildfires to the demands of emergency medical services, operating a fire department requires constant readiness, unwavering commitment, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.

This year, our “Village of the Foothills” faced one of its greatest challenges with the Eaton Fire and the

devastating mudflows that followed. These events placed our city, its residents, and first responders under immense strain. However, in true Sierra Madre form, our community’s resilience and unity shone through. Neighbors helped neighbors, and our firefighters stood shoulder to shoulder with residents, protecting homes, clearing debris, and ensuring the safety of all. The strength of our city was on full display, a testament to the spirit that makes Sierra Madre such a special place.

Through it all, I found these words by Amit Ray, who said, “In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path—the path of compassion, courage, understanding, and love.” This year tested us in ways we never expected, but it also revealed the true heart of this community. In the face of hardship, we chose compassion over despair, courage over fear, and unity over division. That is the Sierra Madre way! Despite these hardships, we continue to move forward, strengthening our department, refining our emergency response strategies, and deepening our commitment to protecting those we serve. Our firefighters train tirelessly, preparing for every possible scenario, so that when disaster strikes, we are ready.

Leading this department and serving this incredible city is a privilege I do not take for granted. I am deeply grateful for the support of our community, city leadership, and, most importantly, the brave men and women of the Sierra Madre Fire Department who put their lives on the line every day. Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice inspire me daily.

As we look ahead, we do so with confidence, knowing that no challenge is too great when we stand together. Thank you for your unwavering support. It is our honor to serve you.

With gratitude,

Brent Bartlett
Fire Chief

Mission, Vision & Core Values

Mission

Protecting life, property, and the environment through compassionate and professional service.

Vision

To remain a progressive, innovative, and cost-effective fire department that fosters a safe and inclusive community through exceptional service.

Core Values

HONOR INTEGRITY RESPECT COMPASSION

Forms

Please submit the completed forms and payment in person at Sierra Madre City Hall, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024.

Alternatively, you may mail the completed forms with payment to the Sierra Madre Fire Department, 242 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024.

Paramedic Subscription Program (Residential)

Paramedic Subscription Program (Business)

Defensible Space Inspection

Fire Permit

Incident Report Request

Incident Report Request

To request a copy of an incident report, please complete the Incident Report Request Form and submit the form together with the required payment by mail to:

Sierra Madre Fire Department
242 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

A valid photo ID is required for the release of medical records. If someone other than the patient is requesting copies of medical records, an Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information must be completed, signed, and dated by the patient or legal guardian, or a court-ordered subpoena must be issued prior to release.

An incident report fee must accompany each request. Fee amounts are listed in the City’s current Fiscal Year Fee Schedule. Payment must be submitted with the form and made by check or money order payable to the City of Sierra Madre.

For billing records, please submit written requests to:

City of Sierra Madre EMS
PO Box 269110
Sacramento, CA 95826-9110

Or visit: www.webillems.com

Paramedic Subscription Program

The Sierra Madre Paramedic Subscription Program, offered by the City of Sierra Madre, helps reduce the high cost of emergency medical responses. This annual membership is available to all Sierra Madre residents and business owners as an affordable alternative to paying full out-of-pocket fees for paramedic and ambulance services.

What’s NEW in the 2025 Paramedic Subscription Program

Beginning July 1, 2025, the Sierra Madre Fire Department has enhanced the Paramedic Subscription Program to offer more flexible and affordable coverage options for individuals, couples, households, and businesses. These updates are designed to improve accessibility, reduce financial strain during emergencies, and ensure broader coverage across our community.

2025 Subscription Options

Individual Plan – $89 per year

Provides coverage for one adult resident at a Sierra Madre address. This plan continues to offer secondary coverage for EMS costs and exemption from all EMS-related fees after insurance billing.

Couple Plan – $142 per year

This discounted plan covers two adults residing at the same household address. Ideal for couples or roommates, this plan offers the same benefits as the individual plan at a reduced rate per person.

Household Plan – $158 for a three-member household

Each additional household member may be added for $18, with a maximum cap of five people total. Whether you’re a family or part of a multigenerational household, this plan ensures comprehensive coverage for everyone under one roof.

Modest-Income Household Plan – $45 per year

Residents who qualify as modest-income may be eligible for a reduced subscription rate of $45 per household. Eligibility is based on gross household income, following the income limits published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
For reference, the City of Sierra Madre uses the “Very Low Income” category as defined by HUD. You can view the current income limits at: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/mtsp.html

Required Documentation:

To verify eligibility, applicants must submit proof of total gross income for all household members. Acceptable documentation includes:
• A copy of the most recent federal or state tax return for all household members
• If tax forms were not filed, you may submit:
o Social Security benefit statements, or
o Three months of bank statements for each household member

Applicants who have been approved for the City’s UUT (Utility Users Tax) Exemption Program based on income are also eligible for the discounted rate. You may submit a current utility bill showing the approved exemption as supporting documentation.

Business Plan – Starting at $100 per year

Covers employees present at a fixed Sierra Madre business location during regular business hours.
• $100 covers the first 10 employees
• Add $100 for every additional 10 employees

Coverage applies only to employees physically on-site at the time of the incident. Business owners must provide verification that the employee was on duty when emergency medical services were rendered.

Program Features

• Available to residents and businesses located within the City of Sierra Madre
• Secondary coverage for paramedic and ambulance services provided by the Sierra Madre Fire Department or its authorized ambulance provider within city limits
• No out-of-pocket EMS charges, including exemption from the EMS Dispatch Fee, after insurance billing
• Valid for one year from the date of payment (not automatically renewed)
• Renewal notices mailed one month prior to expiration
• A confirmation postcard and license number issued the month following payment

How to Enroll

1. Complete the appropriate application form (residential, business or modest-income family)
2. Include all required documents, if applicable
3. Include a check or money order payable to: City of Sierra Madre
4. Mail the application, required documents, and payment to:

SIERRA MADRE FIRE SEPARTMENT
Attn: Paramedic Subscription Program
242 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

You may also make a payment in person at City Hall during regular business hours (Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM).

Additional Information

• Subscriptions are non-refundable and begin upon receipt of payment.
• Coverage does not apply retroactively to services rendered prior to enrollment.
• Insurance providers will be billed first; coverage applies only to emergency medical treatment or transport provided by the Sierra Madre Fire Department or its authorized ambulance service.
• By enrolling, subscribers agree to authorize the release of medical and insurance information for the purpose of EMS billing.

For additional information, please contact the Fire Department at 626-355-3611, email subscription@sierramadreca.gov, or visit City Hall during regular operating hours.

The Sierra Madre Fire Department is proud to provide some of the highest-quality emergency medical care available. By joining the Paramedic Subscription Program, you not only protect yourself and your loved ones from unexpected expenses—you also support the continued strength and readiness of your local emergency response team.

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