The purpose of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program is to provide funding directly to fire departments to assist them in maintaining or increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. Within the District a fire engine is typically staffed with a captain, an engineer, and a firefighter, at least one of which is a paramedic. The District's ladder trucks are staffed with four personnel, two of which are at the firefighter rank. With funding from the FY 21 SAFER grant, the District would add a four-person dedicated rescue company consisting of a captain, engineer and two firefighters to assist with filling the need for additional, dedicated personnel for the increasing volume and complexity of rescue related incidents. A dedicated rescue company would consist of members with specialized training in rescue systems including confined space, technical rescue, high angle rope rescue, automobile extrication, building stabilization and shoring, and specialized training for incidents involving violence. Additionally, the rescue company would add system capacity to respond to structure fires, vehicle accidents, and emergency medical calls.
Due to deadlines, the application for this grant was submitted in early February. This action is to ratify submission of the District's application. This grant would result in the hiring of 12 new positions and the promotion of personnel into the engineer and captain rank. Historically, notifications of awards are made in September. Should the District be awarded the grant, staff will return to the Board to obtain approval for accepting the grant award. Staff will also need to return to the Board to approve a side letter with IAFF Local 1230 to outline the program and funding commitment of the grant program. If awarded, the District will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis for the cost of the SAFER funded positions.
Period of Performance: The period of performance for this grant is three years. Extensions to the period of performance are typically not available.
Cost Share: SAFER grants previously required an applicant match. The FY 21 SAFER program does not have a cost share or match or position cost limit.
No Supplanting Allowed: SAFER grant funds may only be used to hire new, additional firefighters and may not be used to supplant funds that would otherwise be available from State or local sources.
Throughout the performance period of the grant, the District will need to maintain the total number of authorized and funded firefighter positions that existed at the time of award plus the total number of SAFER-funded firefighter positions. The District cannot lay off firefighters that would result in a reduction of staffing below these numbers during the period of performance. Additionally, vacancies that arise through attrition, such as openings created by retirements, must be filled within a reasonable time period to maintain compliance with the minimum number of firefighters required of the grant.
Due to deadlines, this application has already been filed. If this action is not approved, the District will notify FEMA that it is withdrawing the application.