Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Fire Medical

To:	David Corliss City Manager
From:	Mark Bradford Chief
cc:	Debbie Van Saun Assistant City Manager
Date:	April 17, 2007
Re:	Assistance to Firefighters Grant for Technical Rescue Apparatus

Grant Background:

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations.  The deadline for receipt of the applications is May 4, 2007.  The AFG, which will be distributed in phases throughout FY 2007, will ultimately award approximately $492.3 million.

Fire departments serving populations of over 50,000 or more must match the Federal grant funds with an amount of non-Federal funds equal to 20 percent of the total project cost and the project must be completed in one year.

Technical Rescue Apparatus Background:

In 1998 the Department placed back into service a retired 1983 fire engine that was no longer capable of pumping due to fire pump failure.  This engine was converted into a technical rescue (trench, structural collapse & confined space) vehicle by removing the pump and other mounted equipment to increase storage capacity.  This apparatus was quickly loaded to capacity and additional equipment was stored in the station and on fire apparatus where it could fit. 

In January of 2006 this converted apparatus developed major engine problems requiring it be permanently retired from service.  All of the heavy rescue equipment from this apparatus has been prioritized for need and placed on two open bed trailers not designed for rescue equipment transportation or emergency response.  One trailers normal use was to move smaller equipment and related item between fire medical stations.  The other trailer was pushed back into service after having been removed from service due to wear.  These trailers are at capacity and the remainder of the equipment is located on the apparatus floors of fire stations to be loaded for deployment by pickups dispatched from other locations. 

In 2006 the Department evaluated technical rescue vehicles and preliminary costs were obtained.  The anticipated costs are the basis for the amounts outlined in this request.

Total estimated cost                     $575,000

Federal share (80%)                     $460,000

City share (20%)                         $115,000                

Action Request: 

Fire Medical Department staff requests approval from the City Commission to pursue an assistance to firefighters grant for a technical rescue vehicle and authorize funding for twenty percent as outlined for 2007 funding.