Rep. Panetta Announces Significant Federal Investment for a New Fire Engine for Cambria

Rep. Panetta delivers remarks in front of the Cambria Fire Station.

To watch his full remarks, click HEREor on the above photo.

For additional photos and b-roll, click HERE.

Cambria, CA - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced $935,000 in federal funding that he secured for the Cambria Fire Department. The funding will support the purchase of a new Type 1 fire engine and essential firefighting equipment, including extrication tools, self-contained breathing apparatus units, hoses, and radios. Rep. Panetta was joined at the announcement by Cambria firefighters, members of the Cambria Community Services District, and local public safety officials.

"As the threat of devastating wildfires grows throughout the region, communities like Cambria must be prepared at all times of the year," said Rep. Panetta. "The least that the federal government can do is ensure that our dedicated and devoted firefighters have the dependable, state-of-the-art equipment to respond quickly, operate safely, and stay ahead of danger. Amid all the division and dysfunction in Congress, I'm proud to have worked in a bipartisan fashion to secure this $935,000 investment to help our firefighters prevent wildfires and protect our communities and homes."

"Today's event was a great reminder of what strong partnerships can accomplish. We are grateful to Congressman Jimmy Panetta for visiting Cambria and for his leadership in securing this critical Community Project Funding," said Matthew McElhenie, General Manager of the Cambria Community Services District. "For a small, revenue-constrained district like ours, investments like this ensure we can continue providing the highest level of fire protection while remaining responsible stewards of our community's resources. We appreciate everyone who joined us today in recognizing the importance of this investment in Cambria's future."

As the sole provider of emergency services within its district, the Cambria Fire Department serves a high fire hazard community with limited evacuation routes and responds to structural and wildland fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, technical rescues, and natural disasters. The Department protects Cambria's approximately 5,500 residents, the many visitors who travel to the community each year, and neighboring communities through automatic and mutual aid.

In 2024, both of Cambria's Type 1 engines were taken out of service simultaneously because of mechanical failures. The district spent approximately $60,000 on repairs and borrowed an engine from the Paso Robles City Fire Department to maintain its emergency response capabilities. The new frontline engine will provide more dependable structural fire response, help the department meet current safety standards, and strengthen its ability to support San Simeon and other communities across northern San Luis Obispo County.

Rep. Panetta meets regularly with first responders throughout the 19th Congressional District. After hearing about the threats faced by the Cambria community, he requested, advocated for, and was able to secure this significant federal grant for the Cambria Fire Department. This funding adds to the millions of dollars of funding Rep. Panetta has secured for emergency services across California's 19th Congressional District, including $2.5 million for the design and construction of a fire and emergency services training facility in Paso Robles and $1.245 million for a new fire engine and equipment for the Templeton Fire Department.

The funding secured for the Cambria Community Services District is part of a grant that Rep. Panetta advocated for the inclusion of in a recent appropriations package. The funds come through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Community Facilities Program, which helps increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.

For FY 2026, Rep. Panetta secured $2.6 million in community project funding for local projects across northern San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California's 19th Congressional District.

For additional photos and b-roll, click HERE.

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