Agua Caliente Tribe donates gear to Cathedral City firefighters

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians donated protective gear for six newly hired firefighters at the Cathedral City Fire Department Thursday.

The donation includes six structural and wildland sets, each containing helmets, hoods, goggles, coats, pants, gloves and boots. The new gear will be officially presented to the fire department during a 10 a.m. event.

“Firefighters and public safety personnel are working throughout the Coachella Valley every day to make our communities better,” Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe said. “We believe this donation to the Cathedral City Fire Department will be very beneficial in assisting these new firefighters as they
respond to emergencies, protect the community and save lives.”

Funding for the gear was provided through a $25,000 grant and will help “facilitate the rescue of trapped victims” and assist firefighters as they “suppress fires occurring in buildings, vehicles and the wildland,” said Fire Chief Paul S. Wilson.

Mayor Stan Henry said Cathedral City and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians “have a long history of collaborating on public safety programs that benefit our mutual businesses and residents. We appreciate the tribe’s commitment of putting public safety first by providing vital equipment
that helps protect our six new firefighters as they respond to medical and fire emergencies.”