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December 16, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Grant Award and Appropriation: Accept Grant Funds from the San Diego Workforce Partnership for Cohort Training Activities and Appropriate Funds
Report Number: 25-0301
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Fire
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution accepting the San Diego Workforce Partnership grant of $494,181 and appropriating funds for that purpose. (4/5 vote required)
SUMMARY
The Fire Department submitted a proposal for the San Diego Workforce Partnership's request for proposal for the 2025 EMS -Fire Pilot Pathways Initiative. The scope of this proposal is to train (25) Emergency Medical Technicians, (50) Firefighters to Wildland Type 2, and (25) Firefighters to Wildland Firefighter Type
1. Accepting this grant award would provide $494,181 over 9 months, supporting 100 job-ready individuals for the EMS-Fire pathway.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
With support from the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) will launch three structured training cohorts designed to prepare participants for careers in EMS and wildland fire.
Leveraging our instructors, facilities, equipment, and lon gstanding regional reputation, these cohorts will provide high-quality instruction, hands-on experience, and direct job placement pathways into in -demand roles.
Participants will train at CVFD facilities using department equipment and will regularly engage with CVFD personnel. Ride-alongs with our EMS and fire units will reinforce classroom learning and give participants valuable exposure to real-world operations. These interactions also offer mentorship opportunities, helping participants build the confidence and relationships critical for job readiness. We propose the following three cohorts:
1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cohort – 210 Hours (25 Participants)
The EMT program prepares individuals for entry -level EMS roles with fire departments, ambulance providers, lifeguard agencies, emergency rooms, and special event medical teams. Participants will be eligible to join CVFD as hourly EMTs or test for full -time EMT positions. Becoming an EMT is also the first step toward becoming a Paramedic.
Curriculum:
EMT Prep Course – 16 hrs
CPR Certification – 8 hrs
EMT Core Curriculum – 170 hrs
National Registry Exam Prep – 16 hrs
2. Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (WFT2) – 56 Hours (50 Participants)
The WFT2 program qualifies individuals for entry-level wildland firefighter and hand crew positions across local, state, and federal agencies. Two cohorts of 20 will be offered. Graduates may work with CVFD Crew 1 or pursue roles with Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, and contract fire suppression agencies.
Curriculum:
S-130: Basic Wildland Firefighter – 40 hrs
L-180: Human Factors in Wildland Fire – 16 hrs
S-190, IS-100, IS-700 (Self-Study)
3. Wildland Firefighter Type 1 (WFT1) – 128 Hours (25 Participants)
Designed for advanced wildland firefighting roles, the WFT1 program builds on WFT2 training. Participants will be qualified for supervisory hand crew roles and more competitive firefighter applications with federal or state agencies.
Curriculum:
RT-130: Annual Refresher – 8 hrs
S-131: Firefighter Type 1 – 40 hrs
S-211: Portable Pumps & Water Use – 40 hrs
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S-212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws – 40 hrs
Each cohort will be segmented into manageable portions and timed to coincide with school breaks, supporting accessibility for both students and working adults. Participants will be paid a stipend for course completions, reducing barriers such as transportation and childcare costs. We will also collaborate with SBCS and other community-based organizations to ensure wraparound support, including referrals for housing, case mana gement, and mental health services. Th e cohort model ensures job -readiness, connects participants to real hiring pipelines, and supports equitable access to high -wage, high-growth careers in public safety.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the resolution will result in the acceptance of $494,181 in grant funds from the San Diego Workforce Partnership and amend the fiscal year 2025 -26 budget by appropriating $494,181 to the Other Expenses categor y to the Fire Section o f the State Grants Fund. Funding from the San Diego Workforce Partnership will completely offset these costs, resulting in no net fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost share responsibility to the City and no fiscal impact to the General Fund. This grant opportunity has a defined performance period from November 21, 2025, through September 30, 2026 (10 months). Grant program expenses will be limited to the grant award funds unless future funds are identified, secured, and allocated.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Award Letter
2. Grant Budget Detail
Staff Contact: Harry Muns, Fire Chief
Chris Manroe, Deputy Fire Chief
Marlon King, Emergency Services Manager