Fire Department History
The Saratoga Springs Fire Department was established in July of 2000. It was started in a barn that was owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There were several volunteers, but they had little or no training. Dave Vickers was hired as a full-time fire chief. His enthusiasm and background were instrumental in acquiring several used vehicles; including a 1957 American LaFrance Engine and several military vehicles that were converted into wildland firefighting units.
At that time the fire department was also providing basic emergency medical first response. Lehi City was the ambulance transporting agency. By January of 2002, a new 3 bay fire station was constructed at 2015 South Redwood Road. It also contained a much needed training room for the rapidly growing department.
By the end of 2002, most department members had received their Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications, Hazardous Materials Operations, Wildland Firefighter and achieved the basic level of Emergency Medical Technician. The volunteers signed up for shifts during the day, and were placed into 2 man teams with a rotating schedule for being on call. These teams would cover first response in the city from their homes with a city truck. Most Department members immediately started the next available EMT-Intermediate class in preparation to provide a higher level of service to the community. The department had grown to approximately 18 volunteers with a Deputy Chief and 4 Captains.
The years 2002 thru 2006 brought an increase in the number of residents as well as the number of emergency calls for the fire department.
By the end of March 2006, Chief Vickers moved on to new things and the department acquired a new Chief by the name of Mike Penovich. The department moved forward rapidly at that time. By the end of May 2006, a new fire station was completed at the North end of the city. The department moved into their brand new 2 bay pull through station which contained living quarters, administrative offices, physical fitness room and a training room. The department had also acquired several new fire apparatus, hired on many part-time employees, and had turned in their application for an Intermediate ambulance license. The state approved the application and on December 1 2006 the Saratoga Springs Fire Department began transporting patients in a brand new ambulance. The station also started being staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week with a crew of at least 3 members.
On July 5th 2007 the department lost their great leader. Chief Penovich was killed in a tragic accident while on department business. The members of the department wish to express their deepest gratitude for the time we were able to work with him and the things we were able to learn from him. Dawnya DeKarver was selected to function as the interim Fire Chief. The City then began the grueling process of selecting a new Chief. On October 10th 2007, it was announced that a new Chief had been selected. Chief Tim Hay took command November 5th, 2007. He comes to the City with many years of experience as a Chief.
With the continued growth of the city, emergency call volume is ever increasing. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department has made it a goal to be proactive and continue to provide excellent service to its residents.
In loving memory:
Chief Michael James Penovich
March 05, 1969-July 05, 2007