REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 9, 2025
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title
Non-Financial Memorandum of Understanding for Unmanned Aerial Systems Support Services
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, approve non-financial Memorandum of Understanding with San Bernardino County for San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to provide unmanned aerial systems support services to the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator during public safety operations, for the period of September 9, 2025, through September 8, 2030.
2. Acting as the governing body of San Bernardino County, approve non-financial Memorandum of Understanding with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District for San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to provide unmanned aerial systems support services to the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator during public safety operations, for the period of September 9, 2025, through September 8, 2030.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Improve County Government Operations.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). This is a non-financial MOU that defines the responsibilities of the two entities regarding unmanned aerial systems support services during joint public safety operations.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The San Bernardino County (County) Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator (Sheriff) is the head of the County's law enforcement agency, and has authority over law enforcement operations within the County, as well as the duty to preserve peace by sponsoring or supervising projects related to crime prevention and public safety. Sheriff works collaboratively with other agencies to ensure public safety efforts.
San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) is a community-based, all-hazard emergency services organization providing various services dedicated to the protection of life and property of the public it serves. SBCFPD offers services beyond fire suppression and protection, and partners with various private and public collaborators to protect the community. Services and specialized programs include, but are not limited to, emergency medical services, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) commonly referred to as "Drones," arson investigations, dozer services, fire hazard abatement, and hazardous materials response. Sheriff is requesting SBCFPD's, assistance in providing Federal Aviation Administration certified, "Part 107," UAS pilots to provide UAS assistance during public safety operations.
The recommended MOU will allow SBCFPD to join Sheriff in their efforts to enhance public safety and reduce crime in the County by collaboratively investigating and apprehending violent criminals, locating missing persons, assessing natural disasters, and assisting with critical incidents.
Approval of the recommended MOU will provide for the safety, health, and social service needs of County residents by enhancing the public safety operations of SBCFPD and Sheriff.
Either party may terminate the MOU, without cause, by providing the other party 30 days' written notice. SBCFPD may terminate the MOU immediately for just cause.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Rick Luczak, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 21, 2025; Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator (Carolina Mendoza, Chief Deputy Director, 387-0640) on August 22, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Ivan Ramirez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on August 22, 2025.