v . 0 0 5 P a g e | 1
January 20, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Grant Award and Appropriation: Accept Grant Funds from FEMA for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and Appropriate Funds
Report Number: 26-0006
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 Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant Award of $331,963.63 and appropriating funds for that purpose. (4/5 Vote Required)
SUMMARY
The Chula Vista Fire Department has been awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) under the Wellness and Fitness category in the amount of $331,963.63. The awarded funds will be used to enhance and modernize the Department’s annual medical evaluation program and move toward greater alignment with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 standards.
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.
P a g e | 2
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
This item is scheduled to be presented to the Measu re A Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) at a special meeting on January 15, 2026. At the time of agenda publication, the COC has not yet convened. If the COC does not confirm compliance during its meeting, staff will pull the item for presentation.
DISCUSSION
The Chula Vista Fire Department currently maintains an occupational medical evaluation program that includes a basic medical screening provided through Sharp Rees-Stealy Occupational Medicine. This screening consists of a general physical examination a nd respiratory testing. In addition, Fire Department personnel participate in periodic fitness testing, limited laboratory testing, and related training programs through Santa Ana College. Collectively, these measures provide a foundational approach to mon itoring employee health and fitness. However, the existing program is under the recommended scope of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Programs for Fire Departments.
The Chula Vista Fire Dep artment has been awarded $331,963.63 in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, and is requesting authorization from the City Council to accept the AFG Program funds in order to enhance its occupational medical program and move toward greater alignment with NFPA 1582. NFPA 1582 establishes nationally recognized, evidence-based medical evaluation criteria intended to support firefighter health, safety, and operational read iness. Full implementation of the standard involves recurring medical examinations, baseline and follow -up physical assessments, specialized testing, and appropriate recordkeeping, which result in ongoing program costs.
The AFG Program grant funds will be used for eligible program expenses, including expanded medical evaluations, full spectrum laboratory testing (such as full hormone panels), diagnostic cancer screenings, fitness assessments, and associated program administration. Acceptance of the grant wi ll allow the Fire Department to enhance its occupational health program without placing undue strain on the City’s General Fund resources.
Enhancing the Fire Department’s medical evaluation program is expected to support employee health and wellness, reduce occupational risk, and improve the Department’s ability to demonstrate medically defensible fitness -for-duty practices. Over time, these improvements may help reduce long -term costs related to work-related injury, illness, workers’ compensation claims, and employee absences. Ensuring that personnel are medically qualified for duty supports effective emergency response and service delivery to the community.
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize acceptance of AFG Program grant funding in the amount of $331,963.63 to support these occupational health program enhancements.
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 holdin gs 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.).
P a g e | 3
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Cou ncil 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 this resolution will result in the acceptance of $331,963.63 in grant revenues from FEMA for the AFG program and amend the fiscal year 2025 -26 budget by appropriating $33 1,963.63 in the supplies and services category of the Fire Grants section of the Federal Grants Fund. The grant requires a City match of $33,196.37. The City’s share of the grant match of $33,196.37 will be funded from current appropriations in the Fire Department’s Measure A fiscal year 2025-26 budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Future maintenance costs will be included as part of the annual budget development process and funded by the Measure A Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Award Package
Staff Contact: Chris Manroe, Fire Chief
Eric Martinez, Fire Captain
Emily Folker, Principal Management Analyst