Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians Viejas tribal treasurer John Christman leads participants in a prayer prior to the dedication of fire engines purchased through the state gaming fund. With him are Supervisor Dianne Jacob, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Kolender, Viejas fire chief Donald Butz and Lakeside fire chief Mark Baker.

     "As we come up on the anniversary of the Cedar Fire, we hope that we never again have to face the devastation that we had in that natural disaster," said Barona Chairwoman Rhonda Welch-Scalco. "These engines are crucial tools in protecting the residents of our area."
     The engines, which were presented to the Alpine, East County, Lakeside, San Diego Rural and San Miguel fire districts, were purchased with $1.7 million in casino revenues that the three East County tribes paid into the 2004 Special Distribution Fund.
     The fund was created after California voters passed Proposition 1A in March 2000, an amendment to the California constitution that authorized the state to enter into compacts with Indian tribes for some forms of gaming. The compacts call for tribes to pay into the Special Distribution Fund, created to cover costs of state oversight of tribal gaming, and to mitigate the impact of casino gaming on local communities. 
     A share of the state money is returned to counties and, since the release of those funds nearly two years ago, the Kumeyaay tribes and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors have been working together to invest the money back into community and public projects that directly benefit residents.

The six fire engines which were donated were on display at the dedication ceremony on Friday.

     Over the past two years, the county has received about $9 million in Special Distribution Fund revenues collected from tribes. Tribal and local officials decided to spend almost half of last year's $4 million allocation on regional firefighting equipment.
     “It was almost two years ago when flames raced through the surrounding hills, causing unbelievable devastation and sorrow,” Jacob said. “All of us have taken on the responsibility of keeping the October 2003 wildfires at the front of our minds as we strive to do something positive for this region’s safety.” 
     Friday’s event was held at the Ipai Tipai Park, which served as the main East County staging camp for crews battling the 2003 wildfires. After the dedication ceremony the Viejas Band hosted a safety and awareness program for a group of fourth graders and participants were treated to aerial and ground firefighting demonstrations.
     The new Alpine fire engine, a KME triple combination pumper, will be an asset to local fire districts, according to Alpine Chief Doug Matter.
     “This is a terrific piece of equipment,” Matter said. “We’re very grateful for this donation. It will allow us to better respond to fire in our area.”
     Money from the grant has also been used to fund a long list of large and small grants to public-safety agencies.

Representatives from local fire districts were on hand at the dedication ceremony.

E-mail Christy Scott