About

The CENCAL Fire and EMS Authority is a regional public agency formed through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the City of Stockton, City of Lodi, and the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority. Our mission is to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) across San Joaquin County by unifying the strengths of our member agencies and delivering high-quality, efficient, and innovative care.

CENCAL was created to position our member agencies to effectively compete for ambulance Exclusive Operating Areas (EOAs) within the county, ensuring that local public safety agencies play a central role in the delivery of EMS.

To strengthen our service capabilities, we have partnered with American Medical Response (AMR), a proven leader in ambulance services. CENCAL and AMR worked together to develop a proposal in response to the  San Joaquin County EMS Agency's Ambulance Services Request for Proposal. We are proud to announce that  the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors approved the contract on February 10th granting CENCAL Fire and EMS Authority exclusive operating rights to provide ambulance services in San Joaquin County. 

 CENCAL is actively preparing for system implementation and anticipates beginning ambulance operations and service delivery on May 1, 2026. 

 

 

A red fire truck on a sunny day, parked on a road next to trees and under a blue sky with clouds.
A vibrant red fire truck parked outdoors under a clear, sunny sky.
Red fire truck parked outside, clear blue sky.
An ambulance with "AMR" branding parked outdoors near a waterfront, under a blue sky with clouds.
A modern building with palm trees in front and red emergency vehicles parked outside.
Firefighters and paramedics transporting a person on a stretcher. An ambulance and fire truck are visible.
EMTs and firefighters assist a person on a stretcher near a fire truck and ambulance.
Emergency responders assist a person lying on the ground near a fire truck and medical equipment.
Fire truck and ambulance on a road near a sculpture and green trees under a bright blue sky with clouds.
Emergency personnel assist an injured person on a stretcher near a fire truck and ambulance.
Ambulance and fire truck under Lodi archway, with "Farmers Market" sign and parked cars in the background.
A red fire truck on a sunny day, parked on a road next to trees and under a blue sky with clouds.
A vibrant red fire truck parked outdoors under a clear, sunny sky.
Red fire truck parked outside, clear blue sky.
An ambulance with "AMR" branding parked outdoors near a waterfront, under a blue sky with clouds.
A modern building with palm trees in front and red emergency vehicles parked outside.
Firefighters and paramedics transporting a person on a stretcher. An ambulance and fire truck are visible.
EMTs and firefighters assist a person on a stretcher near a fire truck and ambulance.
Emergency responders assist a person lying on the ground near a fire truck and medical equipment.
Fire truck and ambulance on a road near a sculpture and green trees under a bright blue sky with clouds.
Emergency personnel assist an injured person on a stretcher near a fire truck and ambulance.
Ambulance and fire truck under Lodi archway, with "Farmers Market" sign and parked cars in the background.