Officials cut ribbon on new San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Headquarters
San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey wielded the oversized scissors as he joined other county leaders in cutting the ribbon at the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District's new "state-of-the-art" headquarters facility this month.
The new headquarters at 598 S. Tippecanoe Ave. in San Bernardino, places nearly all of the agencies administration functions under one roof for the first time, county officials said during the ceremony on June 12.
"The new state-of-the-art facility will centralize and enhance fire services across the county," according to a county statement. "The building is a one-stop shop for San Bernadino County residents to receive services from the Fire District."
In addition to fire department leadership, it will also house the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Emergency Medical Services Division.
Munsey said the new headquarters was "a testament to our growth and commitment to public safety and the communities we serve."
"This facility will help us to streamline our communication efforts and emergency response plans," he said. "From our day-to-day responses to major disasters, this facility will help ensure our residents continue to receive the world-class service, fire, rescue, and EMS service they have come to expect from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District."
The fire chief was joined by county officials including Sheriff Shannon Dicus, Board of Supervisors Chair and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, 2nd District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez, 4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman, 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. and others.
"The county board currently has prioritized public safety spending, and here is an example of that spending for all of you to enjoy and to really make the work product better and stronger," Rowe said.
The two-story, 79,834-square-foot building is operating under a "unique 25-year capital lease," which encompasses all developmental and operational costs, according to county officials. At the end of the lease, ownership will be transferred to the fire protection district.
The technological upgrades the facility will be able to provide will be put to good use, according to Hagman.
"We have probably the most tech-savvy chief there is in North America, that believes in technology, and I know this building is going to be a huge anchor for that expanding technology we use to provide services and protection for our residents and businesses," he said.
An 18-month construction process was completed in May at a cost of about $26 million, officials said.
"Due to recent real estate price increases, the property’s value is now estimated at around $40 million," according to the county statement. "This new facility with its appreciated value and centralized services will enable the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to serve residents efficiently and cost-effectively for many years to come."
"This $26 million investment is not just fiscally responsible, but it creates an opportunity for us to centralize all of our emergency services," Armendarez said.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Ribbon cut for new San Bernardino County Fire Protection District HQ
