2008-08-01 23:16:02 -

- Barona Sheilla Alvarez 619-402-0182 or Sycuan Adam Day 619-994-4855 or Viejas Bob Scheid 619-922-9736 Tribal government representatives of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and representatives from the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee, have come together to help the City of San Diego fight fires. As part of the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund, the group has awarded the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) $177,898 to help purchase a portable live fire training unit, which was demonstrated at a ceremony attended by Fire Chief Tracy Jarman and representatives from the three tribes on Thursday, July 31.

The Portable Live Fire Training unit is

designed for basic firefighter training, as well as providing ongoing training for the seasoned veteran. The unit design provides skill-testing capabilities that meet minimum Firefighter I training requirements for basic firefighting skills.

"This training unit will help our firefighters be even better prepared to protect citizens and property from fires," Jarman said. "The types of training and skills practiced on the simulator will be invaluable to crews responding to provide emergency services to the public."

The unit is a mobile, self contained fire simulator. Its training capabilities include flashover recognition and tactics suppression, back-draft recognition and prevention, direct and indirect attack, interior fire attack, exterior fire attack, search and rescue in smoke filled interior, variable room and wall configuration and vertical and horizontal ventilation. The unit safety features include gas detection, temperature monitoring, pilot and flame monitoring, a fuel delivery system with fail-safe valves, automatic and manual safety shutdowns, make-up intake air and a ventilation system.

"We are extremely proud of the many projects that have been made possible through the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund," said Thorpe Romero, Councilmember for the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "This unique source of tribal gaming funds has been critical in helping the San Diego region complete many important projects and acquire equipment, like this fire training unit, that helps train our firefighters, ensuring their safety when protecting our communities."

"We consider so many worthwhile applications, but it is truly an honor to have the opportunity to sponsor this unit that will mean so much to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department," said Alan Barrett, Councilmember for the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. "Protecting the citizens of our region is always a priority to the Kumeyaay. And as the memory of the recent fires is still fresh in all of our minds, we can think of nothing more important at this time."

This is not the first time the San Diego area Tribes have supported the region's fire protection needs. The Tribes have granted over $1.4 million to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and regional fire safety projects that help serve the citizens and visitors of the City and County of San Diego. In 2004, for example, they contributed $320,417 to help fund Copter One. The funds for the Live Fire Training Unit were originally awarded in 2005/2006 as part of an $8.5 million distribution for projects around the county that also included, fire hydrant installations, an Interface Fire Engine for the Pine Valley Fire Protection District, and an Adult Protective Services Marketing and Educational Campaign. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also provided funds for the procurement of the unit.

"Sycuan hopes that this fire training unit will have an immediate and positive impact on public safety services in San Diego," stated Sycuan Tribal Chairman Daniel Tucker. "We are all extremely proud of the types of projects that have been funded by the Special Distribution Fund over the years."

The members of the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee include San Diego County Board of Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Sheriff Bill Kolender, San Diego County Assessor Greg Smith, and El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis. Tribal representatives on the committee include Edwin "Thorpe" Romero, Councilmember of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Danny Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Alan Barrett, Councilmember of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.

These Three Tribes Have Contributed Over $17.5 Million To Special
Distribution Fund For San Diego Region Since 2003