REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
January 14, 2025
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Donation of Working Dog for Warriors Canine
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District:
1. Declare that Working Dog for Warriors Canine, Dino, is no longer able to provide service under San Bernardino County Fire Protection District’s Peer Support Program.
2. Approve agreement for the transfer of ownership of the Working Dog for Warriors Canine identified in Recommendation No. 1, to Travis Bonnel at no cost, with San Bernardino County Fire Protection District receiving indemnity and a full release of liability upon transfer of ownership.
(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.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended actions will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost), as there are no costs involved with the transfer of San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) Working Dog for Warriors Canine to its handler.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Working Dogs for Warriors, Corp. (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 SBCFPD Board of Directors (Board) approved an Adoption/Donation Agreement No. 22-213 (Agreement) with WDFW to provide two service dogs dedicated to helping SBCFPD’s employees in its Peer Support Program. Since then, the Agreement has been amended two times and WDFW has donated a total of seven service dogs to SBCFPD’s Peer Support Program. In accordance with the Agreement, each service dog has been assigned to a specific and approved dog handler who is part of SBCFPD’s Peer Support team. The service dogs are cared for by, and reside with, their assigned handler. The Agreement will remain in effect while the service dogs are in the custody of SBCFPD.
The service dog, Dino, is aged and due to medical complications is no longer able to provide service under SBCFPD’s Peer Support Program. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, SBCFPD is required to receive a release of care letter from WDFW in order to remove a service dog under its custody. WDFW has provided a release of care letter for service dog, Dino.
SBCFPD recommends approval of a no cost transfer agreement with Travis Bonnel, who is Dino’s designated handler, for the transfer of ownership of Dino, so that Dino may continue to be cared for by his handler. In exchange for the no cost transfer, SBCFPD will receive indemnity and a full release of liability for this service dog pursuant to the terms of the agreement 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 December 17, 2024; Finance (Ivan Ramirez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on December 19, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Valerie Clay, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on December 19, 2024.