RESOLUTION NO. ________
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHMOND TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM
OF AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF OAKLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE SPONSORING AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA TASK FORCE 4
OF THE NATIONAL URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONSE SYSTEM, AND
THE CITY OF RICHMOND FIRE DEPARTMENT AS A PARTICIPATING AGENCY
OF THE TASK FORCE
WHEREAS, in the event of large-scale disasters such as structural collapses, earthquakes, or transportation accidents, specialized teams are essential to quickly deploy and assist victims; and
WHEREAS, one of these teams is the Urban Search and Rescue (“US&R”), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (“FEMA”) National Urban Search and Rescue System; and
WHEREAS, there are 28 US&R teams in the United States consisting of highly trained professionals who respond to emergencies by providing rescue (extrication) and initial medical stabilization of victims; and
WHEREAS, California Task Force 4 (“CA-TF4”), is one of 8 US&R teams based in California, and the Oakland Fire Department serving as the Sponsoring Agency for CA-TF4; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond Fire Department (“Department”) intends to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) with the Oakland Fire Department to participate in CA-TF4 as a Participating Agency; and
WHEREAS, by joining CA-TF4 as a Participating Agency, the Department will gain experience, resources, and expertise in handling complex rescue operations that extend beyond local capabilities, improve mutual aid coordination, and strengthen collaboration with neighboring local agencies; and
WHEREAS, as a Participating Agency, the Department will be trained and equipped to respond to large-scale urban search and rescue operations, which will further enhance the Department’s overall emergency response capabilities and increase preparedness for urban search and rescue operations to better serve the community; and WHEREAS, as a Participating Agency, the Department may receive FEMA
preparedness grant funding from the Sponsoring Agency, and receive reimbursement for authorized response expenses; and
WHEREAS, as a Participating Agency, the Department will be able to ensure a more effective response to emergencies within the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Richmond:
1. The City of Richmond shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Oak land Fire Department to join California Task Force 4 (CA-TF4) as a Participating Agency.
2. The City Manager and the Fire Chief for the City of Richmond are authorized to execute a Memorandum of Agreement and to take all necessary actions to participate in and support CA-TF4, including coordination of resources, training, and participation in Task Force activities to ensure readiness and effective response to large -scale urban search and rescue operations and other emergencies.
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(This section to be completed by Clerk’s Office)
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a _________ meeting held on _____________ by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
________________________________________
Clerk of the City of Richmond
(SEAL)
Approved:
_______________________________
Mayor
Approved as to form:
____________________________
City Attorney