To: Board of Directors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Fiscal Year 2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
RATIFY the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District's execution of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, in an amount not to exceed $14,890,080, for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program for a three-year period to become effective upon award.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% Federal. The District applied for SAFER grant funding in the amount of $14,890,080. If awarded, the funding would cover a three-year performance period, with an anticipated start date no later than April 1, 2025. The amount awarded may be less than the amount requested. There is no local agency match requirement or position cost caps for the FY23 SAFER grant program. This action is for the application execution only. Should the District be awarded the grant, staff will return to the Board for approval to accept grant funds. At that time, an updated fiscal impact will be provided.
BACKGROUND:
The SAFER grant program aims to allocate funds directly to fire departments, aiding them in maintaining or boosting their firefighter count. This initiative is crucial for enabling communities to meet industry standards and achieve ample staffing, ensuring sufficient protection against fires and related hazards. In our District, a captain, an engineer, and a firefighter operate a typical fire engine, with at least one being a paramedic. In addition, our ladder trucks are staffed by four personnel, two of whom hold the rank of firefighter.
With funding from the FY 23 SAFER grant, no later than April 1, 2025, the District would hire fifteen (15) firefighter/paramedics and strategically place them as the 4th firefi...
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