Assemblymember David Alvarez Visits Station 38, Meets with Chief on Urgent Need for New Fire Engine

On Friday, the Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District hosted Assemblymember David Alvarez at Station 38 for a guided tour of the firehouse and the current resources that support the department’s fire protection mission. The Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District has served the community since 1950, providing critical emergency response services to more than 18,000 residents across seven square miles, and handling an average of 1,800 emergency calls yearly.

During his visit, Assemblymember Alvarez, who represents California’s 80th Assembly District, met with Chief Mike Sims about the department’s operations, its community impact, and current resource limitations. Since 2023, the fire department has been seeking state funding to modernize its critical mission tools, including the Emergency Command Center and its fire engine. 

The Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Department’s aging apparatus are beyond their intended service life in their current frontline and reserve status and a new engine is desperately needed to enhance the safety, speed, and effectiveness of the department's first responders and its response capabilities. 

“We are thankful for the opportunity to show Assemblymember Alvarez our department,” shared Chief Sims, who has served in his role since 2018. “The Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District is committed to providing the Bonita-Sunnyside community with the best fire protection and emergency services possible. As the only station serving the area’s residents, it is vital that we have the most effective tools to handle emergencies and continue meeting our response time standards.”

Upon the procurement of a new fire engine, the department plans to keep the outdated reserve engine operational to leverage its serviceable equipment as a backup resource for the department and neighboring communities, ensuring continued emergency readiness and support during regional crises.

"It was an honor to visit Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District’s Station 38 and meet the dedicated firefighters who serve our community with courage and professionalism every day," said Assemblymember Alvarez. "Touring the station gave me a deeper appreciation for the critical role these first responders play in protecting our neighborhoods. I’m committed to ensuring our local fire departments have the resources they need to keep doing their jobs safely and effectively.”

Assemblymember Alvarez is a staunch supporter of underserved communities in his district and has advocated for the building of fire stations, parks and libraries in areas that did not have them. With Assemblymen Alvarez’s support, the department is hopeful they will secure the funding necessary to procure a new fire engine to enhance public safety, response times, and operational efficiency.

For more information about the Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District, please visit www.bonitafd.org. 

By Juliet Guerra, Media Relations Manager | April 14, 2025 | Rojas Public Affairs

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