The newly-merged Aptos/LaSelva and Central Fire Protection District does not mean the closing of any stations or diminishing of service. It is designed to streamline services and reduce costs for the district, which will serve approximately 90,000 residents living between the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz and the La Selva Beach area of the county. Originally the plan was to keep the former Chief of Central Fire for the new district, and the Aptos/La Selva Chief would act as support, but one decided to retire and the other took a job in Nevada, so now Fire Chief John Walbridge will lead the newly-formed district.
