OAKHURST, Calif. — Melanie “Mel” Barker, candidate for Madera County Supervisor, District 5, announced today that she has earned the endorsement of CAL FIRE Firefighters Local 2881, including the Madera-Mariposa-Merced (MMU) Chapter, representing more than 450 professional firefighters serving Madera, Mariposa, and Merced Counties, as well as the cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, and Madera.
“Melanie Barker is the only candidate for District 5 that will improve public safety for the citizens of the Madera Mountains,” said Bryan Crabill, CAL FIRE Local 2881 MMU Chapter Director.
“I’m incredibly honored to have the support of the men and women who are on the front lines protecting our communities every day,” Barker said. “This endorsement means a great deal because it comes from the firefighters who know firsthand the importance of preparation, strong leadership, and investing in public safety.”
Public safety has been a cornerstone of Barker’s campaign, with a focus on supporting first responders, strengthening emergency preparedness, improving evacuation planning, and ensuring county government works collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners before disasters occur.
“When it comes to protecting our communities, we cannot afford to take shortcuts,” Barker said. “Keeping our families safe requires long-term planning, strong partnerships, responsible investments, and a commitment to ensuring our firefighters and emergency responders have the resources they need to do their jobs.”
Over the past several years, Madera County and its public safety partners have worked together to strengthen wildfire preparedness through investments in emergency response capabilities, equipment replacement, fire facilities, evacuation planning, and partnerships with organizations focused on vegetation management and fuel reduction.
Barker said she believes fiscal responsibility and public safety go hand in hand.
“We owe it to taxpayers to make smart investments that produce measurable results,” Barker said. “Protecting our communities is one of the most important responsibilities of county government, and I will continue supporting practical solutions that strengthen public safety while being accountable for every public dollar.”
Barker pledged to continue building strong partnerships with CAL FIRE Firefighters Local 2881, local fire agencies, law enforcement, emergency responders, and community organizations to ensure District 5 remains prepared for future emergencies.
“Public safety is not a partisan issue—it’s a community priority,” Barker said. “I am grateful that CAL FIRE Firefighters Local 2881 has placed its trust in me, and I will work every day to earn that trust as the next District 5 Supervisor.”
About CAL FIRE Firefighters Local 2881 Madera-Mariposa-Merced (MMU) Chapter
CAL FIRE Firefighters Local 2881 Madera-Mariposa-Merced (MMU) Chapter represents more than 450 professional firefighters serving Madera, Mariposa, and Merced Counties, as well as the cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, and Madera. As part of CAL FIRE Firefighters Local 2881, the chapter advocates for the firefighters who protect their communities while supporting the highest standards of public safety and emergency response.