RIVERSIDE, Calif. – When one of Western’s backhoes met its service life at the District, the choice of what to do with it was clear thanks to a program that allows Western to donate surplus items to other government and nonprofit agencies. The Case 580 Super-K Backhoe now has a new home at CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department and will continue to serve the public during emergencies.
“Partnering with other agencies to donate used but still viable equipment makes great sense,” said Western Board President Tom Evans. “It’s an excellent example of two agencies working together to use public funds prudently.”
Nonprofits and public agencies were notified and invited to submit an application for the backhoe, valued at an estimated $1,500 to $3,500. The CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department submission was selected as they were seeking state certification as a training site and were in need of equipment, including a backhoe.
“The CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is proud to receive this donated backhoe, which will greatly enhance our ability to train on collapsed trench situations and confined space rescue operations,” said CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Joel R. Vela. “Fire personnel from throughout the Southern California region will benefit from this donation and the strong relationship that has been forged with Western Municipal Water District.”
The collaboration allows for Western to be a resource to CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department in the event of an emergency. Western can provide staff and equipment to assist other agencies and develop joint training between District staff and local fire agencies that allows capability, experience and knowledge sharing.
Western Municipal Water District provides water supply, wastewater disposal and water resource management to the public in a safe, reliable, environmentally sensitive and financially responsible manner.
