The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to accept a $164,500 donation to install Mobile Data Computers in San Diego County Fire Authority fire vehicles in rural communities.
The 70 computers will improve first responder communications and awareness which is critical during a wildfire or other emergency. The computers will be primarily used for real-time communications with dispatch, navigation and will include a library of potential hazards by area for reference in the field.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation donated $131,600 and the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation donated $32,900 to the County. The donations were made possible by two grants from San Diego Gas & Electric to the fire foundations with an additional $900 from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation.
“Over the past decade, the Board of Supervisors has collaborated with local agencies, SDG&E and non-profit foundations to improve wildland fire prevention and response efforts,” said Supervisor Ron Roberts.
Tony Mecham, San Diego County Fire Authority Chief and CAL FIRE Unit Chief said, “In San Diego County, we live with the year-round threat of wildfires, so these donations are instrumental to our brothers and sisters who respond to calls every day. We know that partnerships like this are truly making an impact when we can measurably reduce response times and fire damage to private properties.”
