Written by Bill Ritchey — Realistic Training for Real Emergencies MADERA COUNTY — On a Sunday morning in March, the time had come for twelve Madera County Fire Department Paid Call Firefighter (PCF) recruits to finally get their hands dirty. Nearly halfway through their 200-hour academy, they gathered at a Madera wrecking yard among dozens of mangled cars. Their mission: ...

Guest Column written by Bill Ritchey — It is 2 a.m. in the dead of winter. You’re asleep in the comfort of your own bed, and are suddenly jarred awake by the insistent piercing alert and dispatch tones from a pager. Your heart reflexively pounds in your chest… the “pressure” of an adrenalin surge. You can’t control it, no time ...

BONADELLE RANCHOS – With another fire season rapidly approaching, Madera County Fire Department is struggling county-wide to shore up its dwindling numbers of volunteer/Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs). In an effort to bolster the PCF ranks, a recruitment event and open house was held Saturday at Madera County Fire Company 19 in Bonadelle Ranchos. According to Co. 19 PCF Captain Peter ...

Guest Column written by Bill Ritchey —  NORTH FORK – Sitting at the end of the cul-de-sac of Chipo Poyah Road in Teaford Lakes Meadow stands a 3-story house that 87-year-old retiree George Hathaway has called home since 1986. Like other homes in the cozy neighborhood, Hathaway’s sits nestled among dozens of dense pines. Similarly as well, many of his ...

Guest Column written by Bill Ritchey — COARSEGOLD – As Madera County struggles to recruit and retain Paid Call Firefighters (PCF), and the Board of Supervisors considers the feasibility of a public safety tax to help fund the fire department, we noticed that Coarsegold’s Station 13 had not been called out for some time. A call to Cal Fire confirmed ...