Last month, I had a front-row seat to the bravery of our first responders.
I joined the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department (LGMSPD) for what was to be a routine evening ride-along. The officer I was riding with said we were going to do some traffic enforcement, take a few calls and then visit our hardworking dispatchers. About 15 minutes in, LGMSPD received a Priority 1 call, and those plans quickly changed.
We responded to a significant structure fire near Blossom Hill Park. The officer I was riding with sprang into action the moment the call came through, and we sped down Blossom Hill Road with lights and sirens to get to the home as quickly and safely as possible.
We arrived on scene within minutes, with another LGMSPD officer just ahead of us. Both officers ran into the smoke-filled home to evacuate someone who was still inside trying to douse the flames himself. Fortunately, no one was harmed, though it was an incredibly difficult day for the family involved, especially since they had lived in the home for decades. LGMSPD then set up a perimeter. The officers made sure every person—and pet—was safe and clear from the house, checking in with neighbors along the way.
The Santa Clara County Fire Department arrived about five minutes after the initial call, and what followed was a large, well-coordinated operation. Several engines arrived in quick succession, ultimately about 10 total, along with dozens of personnel.
The fire had engulfed the garage roof, with flames flicking nearby trees and threatening to spread beyond the garage. Firefighters pumped thousands of gallons of water into the blaze, then climbed onto the roof with chainsaws to cut holes for ventilation. As the holes were carved, flames and smoke burst out of the opening, releasing heat trapped inside. Other firefighters worked in and around the structure, using every tool at their disposal to get the fire out as quickly as possible. Senior staff, including the Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief, were on scene as well, directing the response and checking in with the family throughout. Amid it all, firefighters still took the time to pull some family photos out of the garage before the flames could reach them.
The fire was out within about an hour. Only the garage was seriously damaged, avoiding what could have been a much worse outcome.
Most residents will never see a response like this firsthand, since we’re fortunate to live in an overwhelmingly safe community. Yet, our police officers and firefighters respond to calls like this regularly. That evening, I saw just how seriously both LGMSPD and SCCFD treat every call. I noticed their calm, practiced professionalism, and I saw just how much coordination goes into a response most residents will only ever read about in a headline, if that.
As mayor, I often hear about our public safety budget, staffing and response times in meetings and reports. Spending time on a ride-along makes all of that much more tangible. It’s a concrete reminder that LGMSPD thrives on relationships, showing up for residents and embracing community policing. Seeing our first responders move in sync, communicate clearly under pressure and still make time for the human side of the job, gives me an immense amount of faith in our public safety system—and especially in LGMSPD and County Fire.
If you see an officer or firefighter around town, say, “Thanks!”
And if you’re inspired to learn more about the work of LGMSPD, consider joining the Community Police Academy, which begins Sept. 17.
You can learn more on LGMSPD’s Community Police Academy webpage. If you want to learn more about the Santa Clara County Fire Department, check out their Community Education Programs on their website.
Rob Moore is the mayor of Los Gatos.
