To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Zach Curren, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Shuree Egloff, Principal Management Analyst
TITLE:
Title
Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Fire Chief to accept the 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $215,454.54, with a local match of $21,545.46, and to execute a Grant Agreement with FEMA and approving an increase in both revenue and expenditures in the Non-Recurring General Fund in the amount of $215,454.54, as documented in Budget Amendment No. 02P2.
Body
DISCUSSION:
The Fire Department applied for the FEMA 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (“AFG”) seeking funding for fire apparatus driver/operator courses resulting in training firefighters who can safely operate a fire apparatus during both emergency and non-emergency responses. With much of our department being new and many new to the fire service, we feel it is critical to provide this training. 48% of our shift personnel have been hired in the last 7 years with almost 30% of those hired within the last 5 years - all of which are required to be trained as driver/operators. Fundamental driving skills should be taught early in any firefighter’s career, ensuring that they understand what is acceptable and how to use defensive driving techniques when dispatched to a call. The requested training meets NFPA 1002 - Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator to provide the qualifications for State Fire Training's Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator - Apparatus Certification. Additionally, the training provides staff with essential skills, experience, and the confidence to respond and support our mutual aid departments. Our application requested $237,000 in funding to register 12 firefighters in Driver Operator 1A, Driver Operator 1B and 9 firefighters in Aerial Apparatus Operator courses. The funding will cover course registration and staff time associated with the required overtime and/or minimum staffing backfill. All 21 firefighters will be presented with strategies and tactics to drive and operate fire apparatus safely at an emergency scene.
The intent of these courses will be to provide the understanding and ability needed to perform maintenance, effective driving and operating of fire apparatus. The selected training will include but not limited to, routine tests, inspections, and servicing functions; operating, backing, maneuvering, and turning a fire apparatus under a variety of conditions; and operating all fixed systems and equipment on a fire apparatus. The courses will instruct them on how to operate and perform preventative maintenance on a pumping apparatus, required routine tests, inspections, and servicing functions; producing hand, master, and foam fire streams; relay pump operations; and supplying water to fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, all of which are vital skills needed to function as an effective first responder. Additionally, the requested training fulfills the requirements for a state Class C Driver’s License Firefighter Endorsement. This training will give our participants the chance to have a more effective response and equip them with the ability to safely manage the apparatus and focus on preparing for the scene of an emergency.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
Approval of the funding allocation will increase the Department’s Non-Recurring General Fund revenue and expense budget by $215,454.54. Total Federal funding is $215,454.54 plus the local match of $21,545.46 to be covered by the Department’s operating training budget. Total FEMA approved project budget is $237,000, which will cover the costs of the Driver Operator 1A, Driver Operator 1B and Aerial Apparatus Operator courses.
CEQA:
The Finance Director has determined that the Recommended Action described in this Agenda Report is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1 - Resolution
ATCH 2 - Council Budget Amendment No. 02P2
ATCH 3 - FEMA AFG Award Letter
NOTIFICATION:
None