Local Innovation Earns National Recognition

By: Eric Ballard, Murrieta Fire Captain

Members of the Riverside County Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) team recently presented at the 2026 National Homeland Security Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, sharing the county’s collaborative approach to improving the response to active shooters and other hostile events. The presentation highlighted years of partnership among fire, EMS, law enforcement, hospitals, and regional agencies, including the development and implementation of Quick Response Mode (QRM), as well as lessons learned from extensive multi-agency training and evaluation. The team’s work demonstrated how coordinated operations can significantly reduce the time from threat neutralization to treatment and transportation of critically injured victims. In recognition of the presentation and the innovative, data-driven approach developed here in Riverside County, the team was honored with a Best of Show Award, one of only four presentations at the national conference to receive the distinction.

Looking Ahead: MFR's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan

Murrieta Fire & Rescue has completed its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, providing a roadmap for the department as Murrieta continues to grow and the community's needs evolve. Presented to the City Council on September 1, the plan was developed with input from MFR personnel, City leadership, community members, and local and regional partners.

The plan identifies priorities that will guide the department over the next five years, including emergency response, community risk reduction, staffing, facilities, equipment, training, technology, and partnerships. Community input was an important part of the process, with wildfire risk and timely emergency response among the concerns identified by residents. The plan will help MFR evaluate its needs and make informed decisions as it continues preparing to serve Murrieta in the future.

Learn more about MFR's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan

Never Forget: Murrieta's September 11 Tribute Ceremony

The City of Murrieta invites the community to join in remembering the lives lost and honoring the courage and sacrifice of first responders during the attacks of September 11, 2001.

The City's annual ceremony will be held on Friday, September 11, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. It provides an opportunity for residents to come together in remembrance of those who lost their lives and the many first responders who answered the call that day.

Learn more about the ceremony

September is National Preparedness Month

Emergencies don't always come with much warning. National Preparedness Month is a good time to make sure your household knows what to do if a wildfire, earthquake, power outage, or other emergency affects our community.

Start with a few basics. Talk with the people in your household about how you will communicate if you are separated. Choose a meeting place, know how you would evacuate your neighborhood, and keep important phone numbers somewhere other than just your cell phone. Check your emergency supplies and replace expired food, water, medications, and batteries. If you have children, older adults, or pets in your household, include their needs in your plan too.

This year's national message is "Stand Ready," encouraging everyone to take simple steps now so they are ready when an emergency occurs. Preparedness doesn't have to happen all at once. Start with what you can do today, build from there, and Stand Ready for whatever comes next.

Learn how you can Stand Ready at Ready.gov

Wildfire Response Without Borders

When large wildfires stretch local resources, the response can reach far beyond state and even national borders. MFR Division Chief Dave Perez recently returned from an assignment in Central Oregon, where he served with the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 5 during the Shingle, Coyote, and Henry fires. The three fires burned more than 120,000 acres combined and brought hundreds of firefighters and support personnel together from across the country.

Among those joining the effort were firefighters from Australia and New Zealand, who traveled to the United States to support wildfire operations. Chief Perez had the opportunity to work alongside the international crews. Their participation highlights the partnerships that become especially important during a busy wildfire season, as agencies share personnel, equipment, and expertise to help communities wherever resources are needed.

Murrieta Police Introduces the Blue Envelope Program

Clear communication can make a big difference during an interaction with law enforcement. The Murrieta Police Department's Blue Envelope Program provides a simple way for drivers to let an officer know they may benefit from additional time, clear instructions, or patience during a traffic stop. The voluntary program may be helpful for people with autism, anxiety, PTSD, communication disorders, dementia, or other conditions that can affect how they respond in unfamiliar or stressful situations.

Participants keep their driver's license, registration, proof of insurance, and emergency contact information inside the blue envelope. During a traffic stop, handing the envelope to the officer provides an immediate visual cue and informs the driver what to expect. No registration is required, and free Blue Envelope materials are available in the front lobby of the Murrieta Police Department.

Learn more about MPD's Blue Envelope Program