Category	Contact
Emergency	9-1-1
Non-Emergency	(760) 770-0300
Fire Administration	(760) 770-8200
Fire Prevention	(760) 770-8200

Established in 1988, the Cathedral City Fire Department boasts a storied legacy of community service and innovation in fire and emergency response. From humble beginnings with a single fire station and a dedicated team of firefighters, we have evolved into a comprehensive, full-service fire and emergency response entity. Significant milestones in our journey include the establishment of our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division, the integration of advanced life support services, and the cultivation of strategic partnerships with neighboring fire departments, amplifying our collective strength in regional safety and emergency preparedness.

The Cathedral City Fire Department was dedicated and began service on January 1, 1988 starting with twenty full-time fire personnel operating out of two stations. Administration, which was housed at Station 412, consisted of the Fire Chief, Administrative Captain, and a part-time Secretary.  Reserve firefighters, for the first year, provided on-call staffing for a third engine company.

Cathedral City Fire & EMS is proud to announce that as of September 30th, 2024, the department is in candidate status. This is the third step in a five-step process, and we are continuing to move forward with the accreditation process. The Benefits of Center for Public Safety Excellence Accreditation for Fire Departments.

Achieving accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) signifies a fire department's commitment to excellence in service delivery and community safety. Here are the key benefits that accreditation provides:

1. Enhanced Public Trust and Confidence: Accreditation demonstrates a fire department’s adherence to nationally recognized standards, boosting public confidence in its ability to provide safe, reliable, and effective services.

2. Improved Operational Effectiveness: The accreditation process involves a thorough evaluation of policies, procedures, and practices. This assessment helps identify areas for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement in operational effectiveness.

3. Standardized Best Practices: Accreditation encourages the adoption of best practices within the fire service. Departments gain access to a wealth of resources and guidelines, ensuring that they implement the most effective, evidence-based strategies for firefighting and emergency response.

4. Increased Accountability: Accredited departments are held to high standards of performance and accountability. This creates a transparent environment whereby the department regularly reviews its own operations and is subject to external evaluations.

5. Professional Development Opportunities: The CPSE accreditation process emphasizes training and development for personnel, ensuring that firefighters receive the latest knowledge and skills necessary for their roles, ultimately leading to enhanced team performance.

6. Strengthened Community Relations: Engaging with the accreditation process often involves outreach and collaboration with the community. This strengthens relationships and fosters a shared commitment to safety and preparedness between the fire department and the residents it serves.

7. Access to Funding and Resources: Many grant programs and funding opportunities prioritize or require accreditation as a criterion. Being an accredited department can open doors to additional financial support for equipment, training, and other essential resources.

8. Recognition and Prestige: Accreditation places a fire department among a select group recognized for professionalism and operational excellence, enhancing its reputation within the fire service community and the public at large.

By pursuing accreditation through the CPSE, fire departments not only enhance their operations and services but also provide their communities with the assurance of a committed and capable emergency response organization.