HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/19/2002, C2 - AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR TWO THERMAL IMAGING DEVICES j
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C I T Y OF SAN L U IS O B I S P O
FROM: Robert F. Neumann,Fire Chief
Prepared By: Viv R. Dilts, Management Assistant -
,Wt'-SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR TWO
THERMAL IMAGING DEVICES
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to submit a federal grant application from the Federal Assistance to Firefighter
Grant Program for two thermal imaging cameras in the amount of$45,000.
DISCUSSION
State and Federal Grants are occasionally offered to assist local governments with the financial
impacts associated with daily operations and/or State and Federally mandated programs. In
fiscal year 2001, Congress appropriated $100 million to carry out the activities of the Assistance
to Firefighter Grant Program. The grant program's purpose is to enhance the ability of the fire
service to protect the health and safety of the public as well as that of firefighting personnel
facing fire and fire-related hazards.
In fiscal year 2002, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is providing $360 million to
fund local fire departments to protect the safety of firefighters and the public with basic
firefighting capabilities, basic fire prevention programs, and intermediate level emergency
medical services.
The Fire Department plans to submit an application for two thermal imaging devices.
Why Request Thermal Imaging Devices?
In May of 1999, Cal-OSHA required that all Fire Departments in California implement Federal
requirements regulating fireground tactics. This is known as "2-In, 2-Out." It requires
Firefighters, while inside a building, to work in teams of two. In addition, interior Firefighters
must be backed-up by a two-person rescue team (Rapid Intervention Team). These new
requirements have had a considerable impact on our traditional fireground operations. In the fall
of 1998, after considerable study, staff developed and implemented procedures to facilitate the
new requirements. In order to accomplish all the required tasks in suppressing a fire, we must
commit at least three of our four engine companies to the very simplest of fires.
In an ideal world, all firefighters would be equipped with a thermal imaging device. This would
allow Firefighters to see through thick smoke, find fire victims, identify what is burning, where
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Council Agenda Report—Grant Fund Request
Page 2
the fire is burning, and how much is burning. It is important that we have a minimum of two
thermal imaging cameras on all fire scenes, one in the interior of the fire and one with the Rapid
Intervention Team.
Additionally, these devices could aid rescuers in locating patients and lost hikers in open space
areas, i.e. (Bishops Peak) and locate ejected traffic accident victims in grassy or wooded areas,
victims that may be difficult to find,possibly over-looked, and left behind.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total project cost for the imaging cameras and training would be $50,000. The Assistance to
Firefighter Grant Program would fund 90% - $45,000 and the City would be responsible to
match the Federal grant funds equal to 10 percent of the total project cost- $5,000.
2 Imaging Devices & Training
FEMA Grant Share_ $45,000
City's Share $5,000
Total Cost $50,000
How Would the 10% Be Funded?
If the City is successful in its grant request and funds are received in FY2001-02, the City's share
will be funded by a mutual aid reimbursement check received recently. The check was in the
amount of $61,352.59, approximately 13% of which is to cover administrative support costs..
Staff is requesting that $5,000 of these monies be applied as the City's share. There is adequate
budget to cover staffing costs associated with the mutual aid response.
If the City is successful in its grant request and funds are received in FY2002-03, Fire
Department operating program funds will be used for the City's portion of the grant.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could decide not to pursue these grant monies. This is not recommended as fire
service grant opportunities are limited and the thermal imaging devices will certainly enhance the
effectiveness of this Fire Department.
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