Each year, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians donates $25,000 to both the Cathedral City fire and police departments. This generosity helps elevate the functions of both departments that serve the residents of Cathedral City.
The $25,000 donation to the fire department was accepted by Fire Chief John Muhr recently who stated that the grant will allow the department to purchase new Mobile Data Terminals for each of the fire engines/trucks, ambulances, and the department’s mobile command center. Having these new terminals will allow firefighters and ambulance personnel to receive, for the first time ever, real time information from the City’s communications dispatch center while in route to an emergency. As the dispatch center is taking a 9-1-1 call and entering the notes into their computer, it will be sent simultaneously to the fire engine and/or ambulance. This will provide first responders with immediate information about what is happening on scene when they arrive. Not only will the new mobile data terminals enhance firefighter safety and allow for faster responses, but the terminals will ultimately help save lives.
According to Police Chief George Crum, the police department plans to use its $25,000 grant to purchase 22 new workstation computers and replace outdated systems for everyday use by its police officers. This will allow for a more efficient use of officers’ time as they can easily input reports and use the new technology for processing and investigating criminal activity.
In the following video, Fire Chief John Muhr and Police Chief George Crum give thanks to the Tribe for their generous grants and explain how those grants will benefit all residents.
