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Residents urge council to restore Norco’s volunteer animal‑rescue team after training lapses
Summary
Multiple residents and former NART volunteers told council the volunteer large‑animal rescue team has lost experienced members and training, urged appointing a staff lead and a timeline to reorganize, and warned that donated equipment should not be sold.
Several longtime volunteers and former members of Norco’s large‑animal rescue team (NART) addressed the council during public comment, urging the city to restore regular training and leadership so the team can respond to emergencies.
Berwyn Hannah, a volunteer, said training has lapsed and urged the city to restart monthly training sessions. "We've been something screwed up up there, but it shouldn't stop us from training," Hannah said, and urged the city not to sell donated rescue equipment. Terry McCauley, who said he served as an animal‑rescue volunteer for 13 years, told the council that NART had been a premier rescue team and that recent loss of institutional knowledge presents a public‑safety risk: "If this fire had taken over Norco yesterday, we'd be in a hell of a lot of trouble today because we really don't have the training involved that's required." Jamie McCauley, also a former member, asked the council to appoint a person to lead reorganization, restore training and provide "a clear public measurable timeline for its return."
Councilmembers acknowledged the comments and several asked staff to develop a reorganization plan and timeline. Councilmember Newton specifically asked staff for a plan to reorganize NART and noted that time could be of the essence following recent fires and emergencies. City staff agreed to follow up with proposals.
