An Urgent Need
1963 – 1964
There was an urgent need in Eastern Madera County for an ambulance service. A committee was formed of the Oakhurst Chamber, Sierra Kiwanis, and the North Fork Boosters, and was chaired by Harry Baker of Sierra Telephone. The committee announced the formation of the non-profit Sierra Ambulance Service in March of 1964. In the same year, a membership drive raised $2,000 in approximately 2 months. At this time memberships were $5.00 and covered a $50.00 to $75.00 trip. Harry Baker fronted $1300 for a 1954 Cadillac high-top ambulance from Reedley with 80,000 miles (June ’64).
It Takes a Village
1969 – 1982
During this time, the current 23 volunteers began to receive $15 per call and membership was up to 600 members (July ’69). A one-ton van was purchased for $12,000. The amount of volunteers increased to 30 and the first EMT-1s are hired. The Membership cost increased to $12 (January ’73). The station for engine 12 was built and housed the ambulance (January ’77). Sierra Health Associates and Supervisor Don Darnell received a $25,000 grant from the James Irvine Foundation to build a second station. The new bay was to be located off of Highway 49 near the Living Center (March ’81).
It Takes a Village
1969 – 1982
During this time, the current 23 volunteers began to receive $15 per call and membership was up to 600 members (July ’69). A one-ton van was purchased for $12,000. The amount of volunteers increased to 30 and the first EMT-1s are hired. The Membership cost increased to $12 (January ’73). The station for engine 12 was built and housed the ambulance (January ’77). Sierra Health Associates and Supervisor Don Darnell received a $25,000 grant from the James Irvine Foundation to build a second station. The new bay was to be located off of Highway 49 near the Living Center (March ’81).
A Professional Staff
1985 – 2000
The first Paramedic is hired (July ’85). Sierra Ambulance averages approximately 65 calls per month (August ’86). The new living quarters are added to the two-bay station and the staff is paid “hour for hour” instead of $35 per call. A new fully-equipped ambulance was purchased for $100,000 and there were five full-time Paramedics, one full time EMT-1, and nine part-time EMT-1s (October ’88). The new station located on Winding Way off of Hwy 41 was built on August of 2000.
Still Growing
2003 – 2021
A station is built in Bass Lake (June ’03). Sierra Ambulance celebrated its 50th anniversary and reaches a new record high of calls for service at 4,614 per year (2019).
Still Growing
2003 – 2021
A station is built in Bass Lake (June ’03). Sierra Ambulance celebrated its 50th anniversary and reaches a new record high of calls for service at 4,614 per year (2019).
Investing in our Community
2022 – Present
Calls for Service
Transports
Leadership Team
Click on the profile names below to see their biographies.
Aaron Sundstrom
Taneisha Cockerham
Hector Hinojosa