REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
December 19, 2023
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Amendment to Adoption/Donation Agreement with Working Dogs for Warriors, Corp for Service Dogs
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, approve Amendment No. 2 to Adoption/Donation Agreement No. 22-213 with Working Dogs for Warriors, Corp., a non-profit corporation, to provide three additional service dogs, for a total of seven service dogs, dedicated to helping San Bernardino County Fire Protection District employees in its Peer Support Program, and to include the Senate Bill 1439 provision, with no other changes to the Adoption/Donation Agreement, effective December 19, 2023, and will continue to remain in effect while the service dogs are in the custody of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of the amendment will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). As part of this amendment, Working Dogs for Warriors, Corp. (WDFW) will fund the cost of acquiring three additional service dogs and sending three additional San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) staff members to training and certification classes in Rialto. The annual costs associated with food, shelter, and care for the canines will be funded by SBCFPD. Sufficient appropriation is available in SBCFPD’s 2023-24 budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
SBCFPD first responders face many physically and emotionally challenging situations, some of which lead to experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other service-related injuries. WDFW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that has established programs to honor those who have dedicated their lives to serving our community and country.
On March 15, 2022 (Item No. 57), the Board of Directors (Board) approved Adoption/Donation Agreement No. 22-213 (Agreement) with WDFW for the donation of two service dogs. On May 24, 2022 (Item No. 105), the Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with WDFW for the donation of two additional service dogs, for a total of four service dogs.
The service dogs provided by WDFW joined SBCFPD’s Peer Support Program, which is an employee assistance program offering confidential help and guidance by selected trained Peer Support Personnel to all SBCFPD members experiencing a personal or professional crisis. The service dogs provided by WDFW help improve the physical, social, educational or mental health of the employees receiving services from SBCFPD’s Peer Support Program.
These service dogs are cared for by, and reside with, their assigned handler. Each designated dog handler receives a pay differential in accordance with SBCFPD policy and as agreed to through a side letter agreement with the labor union.
WDFW wishes to donate three additional service dogs to SBCFPD that will participate in SBCFPD’s Peer Support Program. SBCFPD’s Peer Support team also collaborates with the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) Program to assist residents experiencing a mental health crisis. These service dogs have helped the COAST Program with crisis stabilization and avoid unnecessary incarcerations and/or hospitalizations. SBCFPD will have designated handlers who will receive training from WDFW and will continue to receive training per WDFW Service Dog Training Standards.
Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement will allow SBCFPD to receive three additional service dogs from WDFW to support SBCFPD’s Peer Support Program, bringing the total dogs in the SBCFPD program to seven dogs, and adds the provision in compliance with the Senate Bill 1439 contractor information reporting. Amendment No. 2 will take effect on the date it is signed and approved by both parties and will continue to remain in effect until the service dogs are no longer available for service.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Scott Runyan, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on November 22, 2023; Finance (Tom Forster, Administrative Analyst, 387-4635) on November 29, 2023; and County Finance and Administration (Valerie Clay, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on November 30, 2023.