Placerville, CA – The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians contributed $600,000 towards the El Dorado County Fire Protection District’s purchase of a new ladder truck, according to a news release from the department. Fire District officials meet with Tribal officials on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, 10 am at the Red Hawk Casino front entrance (valet) area to receive the contribution.
El Dorado County Fire Protection District provides emergency fire services to the Tribe’s Shingle Springs Rancheria including Red Hawk Casino. The Fire District’s latest contract extends 5 years – until June 30, 2027.
“[The District] has had a long-standing partnership with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and Red Hawk Casino, over the years their support of our fire district and firefighters has been nothing short of amazing. The continual support for trainings and various events provides the ability for our firefighters to further develop their skills to protect our communities.” states Fire Chief Tim Cordero.
“The support of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and the Red Hawk Casino will allow for our District to purchase a much-needed new ladder truck. Absent of this generous donation, we would not be able to make this purchase, which will serve not only the residents of Shingle Springs and the Red Hawk Casino, but citizens and communities across the County,” says Cordero. The Fire District’s current ladder truck is over 30 years old and has outlived its useful service life. Ladder trucks purchases are a significant financial commitment for fire agencies with most costing over $1 million and requiring annual certification and regular maintenance. The remaining funds needed for the purchase will come from the Fire District’s general funds and development impact fees. “This support will significantly enhance the capabilities of our firefighters in protecting our communities. As the Fire Chief, I cannot thank them enough for their on-going support to our firefighters and our communities,” says Cordero.
“I am grateful for the continued support shown by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and the Red Hawk Casino for our fire district and our firefighters. Their generous donation will provide our firefighters with the equipment and tools necessary to enhance the level of service provided to the citizens and communities we serve,” states Cordero.
It will be some time until the ladder truck is in service. Fire apparatus are custom built when they are ordered and can take between 12 to 20 months to manufacture and deliver depending on demand faced by the manufacturer. Local firefighters will choose the specifications the apparatus will be built to before an order is placed. The Fire District will keep the community appraised of the progress of the ladder truck.