Page 50 - History of the Colton Fire Department

1939
Three months after the new Seagrave engine ar- 1941
rived, it was involved in an accident while responding to Mutual aid is a must for most small cities. All
a call. Joe Howe was driving and George Kinman was of your equipment could be tied up on small or some-
with him. Nick Carter had told others that he had got times unnecessary calls, or the department may be over-
on the tailboard of the new 1938 Seagrave and ready to whelmed by more fire than they could handle. The City
respond but at the last moment decided to stay behind. of Colton has a few small county pockets within the city
George Kinman was injured and retired from the fire de- boundaries that choose not to become a resident of the
partment. city. Fire and police services were benefits that the City

Crash of the new 1938 Seagrave
1940 of Colton was providing for Colton residents. By send-
Chief Lombra was still operating the department ing units for out of town mutual aid, this could lead to
with two drivers, a relief driver, 24 volunteers and a total a lack of coverage for Colton. The mayor felt that the
department budget of $12,382.00. tax payer’s money should not be spent for the benefit of
Joe Howe, Chief Friend Lombra and Nick Carter outside residents and suggested that an arrangement
could be made with the Forestry Department (Cali-
fornia Department of Forestry).
Currently the shift schedule was 48 hours
on and 24 hours off. Chief Lombra recommended
that his men be placed on a schedule of 24 hours on
and 24 hours off. This would be consistent with
other cities in the area so the City Council approved
their new schedule.

1942-1945
Chief Lombra increased his manpower by one.
Engineers, George (Nick) Carter
Joseph Howe
Bryan Hewitt
L. C. Brock
Late in 1945, Brock was replaced by Ernie Mash-
burn.

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