Napa, CA – First responders are a critical part of any community, serving as the frontline of safety and support in emergencies. In a new Ride-Along series presented by Patch and T-Mobile, readers are getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the work of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics across the country. In this edition, Patch sat down with Battalion Chief Ty Becerra of the Napa Fire Department to learn more about firefighting in the Napa Valley and the department’s deep connection with the local community.
Located in the heart of California’s wine country, Napa is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant tourism, and tight-knit community. But behind the charm lies a dedicated emergency response system, led in part by Chief Becerra and his team.
“Napa covers about 18.5 square miles,” Becerra explained. “It’s a mix of residential areas, commercial zones, and tourist destinations. We also have a four-lane highway running through town, plus navigable waterways, which add to the variety of incidents we respond to.”
Structured Days, Unpredictable Calls
A typical day for a Napa firefighter begins early, with a shift change at 8:00 a.m. Firefighters start their day by checking gear and equipment to ensure readiness. From there, daily routines include grocery shopping for meals, group workouts, and ongoing training that covers a range of emergency response disciplines.
Crews usually gather for dinner around 6:00 p.m., but all activities are subject to change when a call comes in—which can happen at any time. Firefighters in Napa work on a 48/96 schedule, meaning two days on duty followed by four days off.
“Every day is structured, but also completely unpredictable,” said Becerra. “Calls come in at all hours, and we adapt quickly.”
A Career Inspired by Family
Chief Becerra’s journey into firefighting was inspired by his sister, who entered the fire service right after high school. The siblings now hold the same rank in different agencies, and Becerra credits her with setting him on a path that has become a lifelong calling.
“It’s a career that’s given me purpose,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 23 years, and I’ve never looked back.”
Earthquake Response Among Most Memorable Moments
When asked about the most unforgettable moment in his career, Becerra recalled the 2014 Napa Earthquake—a 6.0 magnitude quake that rattled the region and caused widespread damage.
“We were on duty when it hit. The calls didn’t stop for 12 hours straight,” he said. “It was a true test of our personnel and our systems, but we rose to the challenge.”
Community Connection
For Becerra, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is the relationship the department shares with the Napa community.
“There’s so much support here. The residents truly appreciate what we do, and we feel that every day,” he said.
Encouraging the Next Generation
To those considering a career in firefighting, Becerra’s advice is simple: go for it.
“It’s an amazing career. You’re part of a team, you get to help people, and you never stop learning. It’s hard work, but it’s incredibly fulfilling.”
How to Get Involved
The Napa Fire Department offers several ways for residents to engage, including station tours, fire safety education, and career interest submissions for those looking to join the department.
More information is available at the City of Napa’s Fire Department website.
Powered by T-Mobile’s T-Priority Program
This feature is part of a partnership with T-Mobile, which is committed to supporting America’s first responders through its T-Priority program. Designed to keep emergency personnel connected during times of high network demand, T-Priority offers priority network access, enhanced reliability, and exclusive discounts on mobile plans.