REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 5, 2026
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution to Terminate the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center Joint Powers Authority
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District:
1. Adopt Resolution to terminate the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center Joint Powers Authority.
2. Authorize the purchase of an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle as well as the supplies and equipment formerly owned and operated by the dissolving San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center Joint Powers Authority in accordance with the Joint Powers Authority Agreement.
3. Approve the Purchase Agreement with the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center Joint Powers Authority for the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle as well as the supplies and equipment listed in Exhibit A, at a cost of $1,036,636.45 and $1.00, respectively.
4. Authorize the Director of the Fleet Management Department to execute all necessary documentation for transfer of title of the vehicle identified in Recommendation No. 2.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Improve County Government Operations.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Enhance Readiness for Major Emergency Responses.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommendations will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center (SBRETC) Joint Powers Authority (JPA) dissolution process includes the settlement of all debts, liabilities, and obligations, and the disposition and transfer of assets to its member agencies.
As agreed by all JPA member agencies, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) will purchase the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle at the agreed‑upon cost of $1,036,636.45, along with the supplies and equipment listed in Exhibit A at the agreed-upon cost of $1.00 as no other participating member agencies have expressed a need for or claim to these specific assets. Sufficient appropriation is included in SBCFPD’s 2025‑26 budget (1064042410).
After satisfaction of all obligations, any remaining JPA funds will be distributed to the JPA member agencies in accordance with the terms of the JPA agreement.
No additional financial obligation to SBCFPD is anticipated as a result of this action.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On June 9, 1998 (Item No. 49), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved Agreement No. 98‑421 between SBCFPD, the City of San Bernardino (City), and the San Bernardino Community College District, establishing the SBRETC JPA. The City was removed as a JPA member in 2016 when the City’s fire department was annexed into SBCFPD. The purpose of the SBRETC JPA was to develop and operate a jointly administered regional training center that would include:
• A live‑fire training facility
• Classrooms
• Propane‑fueled live burn areas
• A simulated aircraft mock‑up for fire and rescue training
• Training services for airline personnel and firefighters throughout the Western United States.
Over time, the training facility has experienced substantial wear and deterioration. As a result, SBRETC now requires major repairs and reinvestment in training props and supporting infrastructure to maintain operational readiness and meet program requirements. Additionally, the site’s underlying rental agreement has expired, which further complicates long-term planning and increases financial and operational uncertainty. Given these factors, continued participation in the JPA is no longer financially sustainable for the JPA members.
The JPA members have agreed to dissolve the authority and distribute its assets. As part of this process, SBCFPD will purchase the ARFF vehicle, as well as the supplies and equipment that were previously used in connection with the joint training operations. The acquisition will support continued training, emergency preparedness, and operational readiness across SBCFPD.
Approval of the proposed actions allows for an orderly termination consistent with the terms of the JPA. Recommendation No. 3 will allow the Fleet Department to coordinate the transfer of the title of the vehicle identified in Recommendation No. 2.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Rick Luczak, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on April 23, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Ivan Ramirez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on April 14, 2026.