The San Diego Fire Rescue Department (SDFRD) deployed a helicopter for a two-and-a-half-hour search for the son of a retired fire chief, incurring costs of approximately $28,800, according to reports. The search, which spanned out-of-county waters, concluded when the individual, Wesley Alan MacFarland, was found at his apartment.
The incident occurred on June 29, when the SDFRD's Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk was dispatched from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. MacFarland, 47, was initially believed to be missing in a dangerous surf area near Newport Beach. The search involved cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, Newport Beach Fire, and other partner agencies.
Deputy Fire Chief Dan Eddy stated that the department's decision to provide mutual aid was guided by its commitment to assist in situations where lives are at risk, whether within San Diego or at the request of neighboring jurisdictions, provided resources allow without diminishing local safety. Officials also noted that the flight costs did not meet the criteria for reimbursement.
The expenditure comes at a time when the SDFRD is reportedly facing budget constraints. Recent actions under the city's new budget have included the elimination of a fire academy instructor position, a recruitment and retention officer, and a fire information officer. Additionally, the department has terminated dedicated staffing for its bomb squad, shifting to a cross-staffing model where firefighters are on-call for bomb threats while handling routine calls.
George Duardo, president of the San Diego City Firefighters Local 145, commented on the situation, noting that budgetary constraints have already led to staffing reductions in key positions and a sharp decrease in air operations. He stated that department members are increasingly being asked to manage a heavier workload.
The SDFRD spokesperson initially framed the search as a routine mutual-aid response to a neighboring jurisdiction. However, subsequent inquiries by The San Diego Union-Tribune led to further clarification from Deputy Fire Chief Eddy regarding the department's operational principles during such requests.