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 re...
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