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Recovery Funds Sought for New Angelus Oaks Fire Station

San Bernardino County Fire Station 15

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Update - Monday 3:50 a.m.

Angelus Oaks, CA - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds are being sought for the construction of the replacement of San Bernardino County Fire Station 15 in Angelus Oaks.

Fire Chief Pat Dennen is requesting $4.6 million for the 6,500-square-foot replacement complex.

Station 15 is located in the community of Angelus Oaks at 5766 Frontage Road. It also protects the communities of Seven Oaks and Barton Flats. They provide immediate assistance to the U.S. Forest Service for forest fires in the area and also protect a large portion of Highway 38 on its way through the area and up to Big Bear. (Photo by San Bernardino County Fire Department.)

On April 7, county supervisors obligated $2.9 million in construction funds to build the station. But if County Fire is successful in obtaining stimulus funds, the board can reallocate a portion of those funds in other areas of need within the county.

ARRA provided the Department of Homeland Security with $210 million to fund the construction and modification of fire stations to enhance firefighter safety and the public they serve and to provide economic stimulus in the form of jobs.

Chief Dennen reports the federal funds are earmarked for projects capable of starting immediately upon receipt of a grant award.

The grant submission deadline is July 10, with a grant performance period commencing October 1.

Original Story - April 10, 2009

Angelus Oaks, CA - Firefighters assigned to Station 15, in Angelus Oaks, will soon have their current building replaced with a new 6,500-square-foot structure.

San Bernardino County supervisors have approved a consultant agreement in the amount of $234,056 with STK Architecture, Inc. of Temecula to provide design and engineering services for the project.

In his recommendation to supervisors, Fire Chief Pat Dennen explained the current Angelus Oaks station is old, outdated, inadequate to accommodate service-related growth, and does not meet current standards.

San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Dennen informed supervisors the replacement station will ultimately house six full-time personnel and their equipment, to include; one medic engine, one brush patrol and one water tender. It also currently houses a snow-cat (for winter responses) and on occasion, a loader or bulldozer that will also be accommodated.

Snow Cat 15 is assigned to San Bernardino County Fire Station 15 in Angelus Oaks. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The replacement station will include "green building technology", as well as be designed to a LEEDS Silver standard. LEED certification of a building addresses six major areas of design and construction: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process.

Dennen will return to the board (at a future date) with respect to a recommended construction contract and related budgetary adjustments as necessary.

This article was first published on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 9:15 am. This article has been viewed 891 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.