San Manuel donates two fire trucks to San Bernardino

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians donated two fire engines to the San Bernardino Fire Department today during a special ceremony outside the Tribal Community Center on the San Manuel Indian Reservation.

It was in observance of a $2.2 million fire services agreement the tribe reached with the city of San Bernardino, which also includes funding for a mechanic and dispatcher for the city fire department.

"There is no way to put a price tag on cooperation," San Bernardino Mayor Pat Mayor Morris during today's ceremony. "What we have together with the tribe far exceeds the price of these two ladder trucks.

The two trucks sat parked outside the Tribal Community Center, their 100-foot ladders extending upward and holding an enormous American flag that fluttered in the gentle breeze.

San Manuel has entered into intergovernmental agreements with the cities of San Bernardino and Highland in an effort to boost efficiency and response times.

"I am very fortunate as the city fire chief to enjoy a great relationship with the men and women of the San Manuel Fire Department and Chief Mike Smith," said San Bernardino Fire Chief Michael Conrad. "We work very closely together as cooperating agencies; respond into each other's jurisdictions to provide assistance and our crews train together on a regular basis."

 San Manuel Tribal Chairman James Ramos expressed the tribe's commitment to continue working with Morris and the city of San Bernardino.
 
"We are steadfast in our commitment as we endeavor to create the kind of partnerships with local government that contribute to a safe and secure community for all our citizens," Ramos said. "We know we have a ways to go, but San Manuel is going to be here for a long time and we will continue to reach out to our neighbors in a partnership of mutually-respect."
 
The mutual aid agreement will be in effect through 2017.

joe.nelson@inlandnewspapers.com