A Legacy Beyond Life: Late Marine Veteran’s Estate Helps Double Redlands Animal Shelter Capacity

Photos by David James Heiss

Visitors greet residents of the recently constructed kennel addition.

By David James Heiss

Redlands News Collective

REDLANDS — During his lifetime, Marine veteran George E. Fikrle, a former general contractor, oversaw significant construction projects, including the Esri campus in Redlands and San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino, home to the Inland Empire 66ers. He also managed developments at Norton and March Air Force bases.

While he did not live to see the project’s completion, Fikrle had a hand in the construction of the extension to the Redlands Animal Shelter. The new facility was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 9 at the 504 Kansas St. site, attended by members of his family.

Fikrle died April 18, 2024, at age 93.

At a June 4, 2024, City Council meeting, the city accepted a $96,000 contribution from Fikrle's estate for Redlands Animal Control. The city later allocated $527,000 from the public safety and community services Measure T funds for a contract with Abboud Diamond Construction Inc. to prepare for the Redlands Animal Services modular kennel. The city paid $275,000 to purchase the building from Horizon Structures LLC.

The new 24-by-60-foot prefabricated modular building adds 24 kennels that provide outdoor and climate-controlled indoor access.

Outgoing Assistant City Manager Chris Boatman, who begins his new role as Beaumont’s city manager next month, is credited with discovering the modular units. While on vacation in Tennessee, Boatman saw a similar structure being transported along a highway.

A dozen employees from the Department of Facilities and Community Services joined dignitaries for photos during the official ribbon-cutting, which was attended by Fikrle’s daughter, Lori Lyon, and his wife, Frankie.

Frankie Fikrle and Animal Services Supervisor Joe Alcaraz hold up legislative certificates during the Redlands Animal Shelter’s expansion ceremony.

The building effectively doubles the number of dogs the shelter can house. When the kennel opened in 1985, it had 28 units.

Facilities and Community Services Director Tabitha Crocker told guests the addition was a “meaningful milestone that represents more than construction. It represents the shared concern and well-being and a humane environment for the animals that await their next chapter.”

Through April, the Redlands Animal Shelter is offering a $24 all-inclusive adoption special. The cost includes spaying and neutering services.