Sonoma County’s newest fire district is making its debut Thursday, combining four agencies into one large district circling Santa Rosa, and spanning from Windsor to the Napa County line.
The Sonoma County Fire District, run by Chief Mark Heine, becomes the county’s second largest in territory and population and the second busiest, behind Santa Rosa Fire in both cases.
“I’m excited we get to lead what I hope will be more change in this county,” Heine said.
Gone, technically, are the decades-old Rincon Valley, Windsor, Mountain and Bennett Valley fire departments. But not completely.
Station signs and fire engine logos depict the new shared name but include the geographical locations, a nod to local ties and traditions.
“Community members will see it’s still Bennett Valley, still Bennett Valley folks here, still the community involvement,” said fire engineer Travis Browne.