Department Seeks Temecula Volunteers for Disaster Response Team

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA- Riverside County residents willing to volunteer their time and resources helping save animals during wildfires, floods and other disasters are welcome to sign on with the Riverside Emergency Animal Rescue System, officials said Friday.

The nonprofit REARS is operated by the county’s Department of Animal Services, which will be holding its next orientation meeting for the team on Jan. 30 at the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter, 6851 Van Buren Blvd., according to agency spokesman John Welsh.

Cindy Henderson, a local horse ranch owner and REARS volunteer, said the group can be instrumental in relieving fire department personnel from the task of taking care of domesticated animals during a large-scale emergency.

“We want to save horses from burning up,” Henderson said, adding that too often first-responders encounter “Johnny-Come-Lately types who want to be heroes.”

“Most of the people in REARS are very humble,” she said. “We just want to help, but do so in the right manner.”

Department of Animal Services field Commander Rita Gutierrez said fire personnel prefer to work only with trained volunteers.

“Our volunteer members are providing a huge value in our response to emergency events,” Gutierrez said. “When it comes to saving and protecting and caring for the county’s larger animals, these volunteers are critical in helping us cover more territory.”

Information on the program and its requirements is available here. Gutierrez can be contacted directly at RDgutier@rcdas.org .

— By City News Service. Image courtesy of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.