UPLAND – The San Bernardino County Fire Department accepted a grant of $7,891 from the Hamilton Brewart Insurance Agency and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The money will be used for technical rescue equipment servicing the Mount Baldy area.

San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen said safety is a priority during complex technical rescues. "This new equipment ensures our team and the victims are as safe as possible."

The Fireman's Fund Heritage Grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program and was directed to Fire Station 12, which serves the local foothill community of San Antonio Heights as well as the Mount Baldy Road traffic corridor. Station 12 responds to rescues that involve hikers, rock climbers, snow play accidents and traffic collisions that can involve vehicles that have fallen into steep canyons in the mountainous terrain.

At an event on April 29 at the San Antonio Heights Station, Deputy Chief Dan Wurl praised the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company's mission to support the fire service. "Response times are critical and mean the difference between life and death," Wurl said. "The rescue equipment this grant provides for will assist firefighters in their rescue efforts."

Robert Walton from Fireman's Fund Insurance Company stated: "This is more than a check, but a meaningful investment in firefighters who protect our homes, businesses, and more importantly, our lives."