REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 18, 2026
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Non-Financial Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, U.S. Department of War, for Participation in the SkillBridge Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District:
1. Approve non-financial Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, U.S. Department of War, for participation in the SkillBridge Program, allowing eligible transitioning Service members to participate in unpaid job training, employment skills training, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, effective beginning on the day after the last Party signs through March 31, 2029.
2. Approve non-financial Supplemental Agreement template, for use with eligible transitioning Service member interns participating in the SkillBridge Program.
3. Authorize the Fire Chief/Fire Warden or the Deputy Fire Chief of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to execute individual Supplemental Agreements with eligible transitioning Service member interns participating in the SkillBridge Program, effective the date the Supplemental Agreement is signed through March 31, 2029.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of the non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). All internships are unpaid and participating Service members will not receive compensation or gifts from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) for their participation in the Department of War (DOW) SkillBridge Program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
SBCFPD supports workforce development through partnerships that provide structured internship, training, and work-study experiences for individuals interested in fire, emergency services, public safety, and related support functions. The SkillBridge Program provides a similar pathway for eligible Service members who are transitioning from active-duty military service to civilian employment.
The SkillBridge Program allows eligible and authorized Service members who are within 180 days of separation from active duty to participate in job training, employment skills training, apprenticeships, and internships with approved public and private organizations. DOW will provide public information to Service members about the availability, locations, and training opportunities of the SkillBridge Program. DOW will enforce policy that ensures participating Military Departments validate Service members’ eligibility to participate and that they have received approval to participate in the SkillBridge Program. Participation must be initiated by the Service member and approved by the appropriate military command before the Service member begins a placement with SBCFPD.
The proposed MOU establishes the rules and responsibilities for SBCFPD to serve as an authorized SkillBridge provider. Through the program, SBCFPD may offer practical, supervised training opportunities that help transitioning Service members explore potential career pathways after separation from the military. The program also introduces qualified and motivated transitioning Service members to SBCFPD operations and supports SBCFPD’s long-term workforce development and recruitment efforts. The Supplemental Agreement template will be executed with individual Service member interns and includes specific release and hold harmless provisions related to the internship.
The MOU does not guarantee employment with SBCFPD and does not bypass applicable public agency hiring requirements. Successful participants may be considered for open positions for which they meet the minimum qualifications and applicable hiring requirements. This allows SBCFPD to support transitioning Service members while maintaining a fair and consistent hiring process.
The MOU may be terminated by either party with 90 days’ written notice. DOW may also terminate the MOU without prior notice under certain circumstances, including military operational requirements or national emergency, noncompliance with MOU terms or program requirements, ethical violations, failure to follow the approved training plan, or validated participant grievances involving the provider’s operations, conduct, or workplace environment.
Approval of this MOU supports SBCFPD’s ongoing efforts to develop a qualified public safety workforce, build partnerships with federal and military organizations, and provide expanded career-transition opportunities for Service members moving into civilian life.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 12, 2026; Human Resources (Jose Mancilla, Employment Division Chief, 387-6080) on August 3, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Jessica Trillo, Principal Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on August 4, 2026.