December 2, 2015, will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the Inland Regional Center (IRC) community and beyond. On that tragic day, a terrorist attack during a San Bernardino County employee holiday luncheon at IRC took the lives of 14 innocent people and injured 22 others. The event shook our community to its core, but it did not diminish our spirit. As we approach the 9th anniversary of this heartbreaking event, we pause to honor those we lost, recognize the courage of the survivors, and reflect on the remarkable resilience that has emerged within our community.

A Day of Tragedy

The terrorist attack on December 2, 2015, was a devastating act of violence aimed at San Bernardino County employees during what should have been a joyful occasion. As the tragedy unfolded, the nation watched in disbelief, and our community found itself in the global spotlight. Yet, amid the chaos and fear, the true strength of our community began to shine.

First responders from local law enforcement, San Bernardino County Probation, fire services, and medical teams demonstrated incredible heroism, swiftly securing the scene and providing critical aid to the victims. In the aftermath, as grief, fear, and uncertainty gripped the community, a deep sense of unity began to take root. Local residents and people from across the nation came together, determined to rise above the devastation and support one another in the face of this senseless violence.

Resilience and Unity

In the nine years since the attack, the resilience of our community and the greater Inland Empire stands out most. This tragedy did not define us; it brought us closer. The bravery of those who returned to work, the compassion shown by our partners, and the overwhelming support from people across the country demonstrated our community’s strength and perseverance.

As we commemorate the 9th anniversary of the December 2nd attack, we honor the victims, the survivors, and all those who played a role in the recovery process.

During the annual remembrance, we are reminded that even in the face of the most unimaginable adversity, our community has the power to heal, rebuild, and emerge stronger than ever before.

Posted by:

Dr. CJ Cook, DBA

As Program Administrator, CJ is responsible for the proactive oversight of various units within IRC, including Community Management, Service Access and Equity, and Training and Development. CJ's oversight extends to Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), equity in the Purchase of Service (POS), and the National Core Indicator (NCI) project. Furthermore, CJ is tasked with managing the IRC's Performance Contract with DDS and overseeing Emergency Services.