Here in Norco, we have a unique lifestyle that is centered around animals. At the Fire Department we have had to think outside of traditional fire service operations to help our four-legged citizens. We have developed an Off Road and Large Animal Rescue (LAR) Unit that can help large animals and their owners when they are in trouble. Several of our members have attended specialized training along with Animal Control and our entire department is familiar with animal rescue operations. We have obtained equipment that is specific to LAR. Various groups from Norco donated a large portion of the equipment.

We have equipment such as our ATVs with a patient trailer to remove injured riders from the Santa Ana River bottom. We have tools to rescue people or animals stuck in the "quicksand". Most recently, the Norco Horsemen's Association spent $5000.00 to purchase equipment that will be used to lift large animals that get stuck in flood channels, pools, holes or any other below grade obstacle. It's made by Airshore International and is called an "A-frame/gantry". This will allow us to remove large animals from harm without waiting for a crane to arrive or to accomplish rescues where a crane cannot make access.