Friday, January 17, 2025
For over two decades, Mike Graham has dedicated himself to serving the Oceanside community as a member of the fire department.
Now, with ten years under his belt as a Fire Commissioner, Graham is running for re-election to continue his commitment to keeping the department and community safe, efficient, and forward-thinking.
Graham’s tenure with the Oceanside Fire Department spans more than 20 years, including a decade as Fire Commissioner.
Having initially stepped into the role to fill a vacancy, he has since been re-elected twice, and he now seeks a third term in the position.
“I want to continue working for this community,” Graham said. I joined because I want to help the community, and I want to continue that success as a Fire Commissioner up there and continue to keep our firemen and the community safe and provide the best care 24 hours, seven days a week all volunteer.”
As Fire Commissioner, Graham oversees critical decisions on how taxpayer dollars are allocated to fund the fire district.
These decisions directly impact the department’s operations, equipment, and safety measures.
“I’ve been focused on working with local officials to help with funding for equipment and better, ourselves in any way we can with our local representatives,” Graham said. “Safety is always the top priority. Making sure that the members of the fire department have the best equipment and are always safe and provide the best care for our community, along with budgeting and focusing on the fiscal responsibility of the taxpayer. Making sure that we’re within our budgets, and we continue to do that and just continuing positively and keeping the fire district successful.”
Recent accomplishments include obtaining grants for new self-contained breathing apparatus packs, which are essential for firefighter safety.
Additionally, the department is currently working on acquiring two new fire engines through district budgeting efforts.
“I think the biggest thing with being a commissioner and going forward is seeing the future, building and coming up with of list of priorities of what the district needs because the cost of things have gotten so expensive,” Graham noted. “People don’t always realize that it affects government entities too. A fire truck has gotten very expensive. We have to build towards being able to afford those. Each year, budgeting is a way to provide the best for the community.”
Graham’s passion for the role extends beyond budgets and equipment. He views his position as a way to give back to the community that has supported him and his family.
“I’ve been up there for ten years, and I feel successful in what we’ve achieved,” he said. “I’ve had great support from the community, and I’m confident we can keep the department thriving,” he said.
Graham encourages voters to come out and participate in shaping the future of the fire district.
The fire commissioner election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Oceanside Fire Department’s main headquarters, located at 65 Foxhurst Road.
