Arrowhead Credit Union donates vehicle to County Fire Protection District

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCoFD) has taken delivery of a new transit vehicle thanks to a generous donation from the Arrowhead Credit Union’s ArrowHeart Foundation.

The $36,870 vehicle will enhance County Fire’s operations of the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) program. Specifically, the vehicle will transport individuals, including the unhoused or those experiencing a mental crisis, along with their belongings, to crisis centers or appropriate facilities.

The donation aligns with the Fire District’s commitment to operate in a fiscally responsible manner and to prioritize the safety, health and social service needs of San Bernardino County residents.

“We are thankful to Arrowhead Credit Union and the ArrowHeart Foundation for their generous support of our COAST program. This donation is not just a vehicle; it’s an important resource that will greatly benefit the residents of San Bernardino County,” said Fire Chief Dan Munsey. “With this addition to our fleet, our COAST program can extend its reach and provide timely, compassionate care to those in mental health crises. This partnership exemplifies community collaboration at its best and underscores our shared commitment to enhancing public service and safety.”

The COAST program is a collaborative effort between County Fire, local law enforcement partners and the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. The program offers a new level of care for community members experiencing mental health crises. Since its inception, COAST has made significant impacts, including the successful COAST1 program in the City of Fontana, the COAST2 program in the City of San Bernardino, and the COAST3 program serving the unincorporated communities in the East Valley Division.

Each County Fire COAST team member is a handler of a CARE team therapy dog. These dogs can help ease the hesitancy of a person in crisis towards law enforcement and emergency services. Therapy dogs help deescalate crises, allowing behavioral health personnel to address individual needs effectively. Patients are then moved to mental health facilities for ongoing care by the county’s behavioral health team. This ongoing support aims to reduce future crises and the need for law enforcement or fire/EMS responses. It provides resources for coping with future mental health crises and helps keep patients out of jail and emergency rooms.