At 8:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026, the CENCAL Fire and EMS Authority officially began providing ambulance services across San Joaquin County, marking a major milestone in regional emergency medical care.

Formed through a Joint Powers Authority, CENCAL represents a partnership between the City of Stockton, City of Lodi, and the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority. The system will serve approximately 660,000 residents across more than 1,100 square miles.

Ambulance services will be delivered through a public-private partnership with American Medical Response (AMR), with coordinated dispatch services provided through a centralized system.

 

CENCAL Press Release - May 1, 2026.pdf