FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Acting Deputy Fire Chief James Clayton
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt a Resolution accepting an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (#EMW-2021-FG-02509) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for wellness physicals for Santa Maria Fire Department personnel.
BACKGROUND:
In the wake of the World Trade Center attacks of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security announced the creation of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); a program of FEMA's National Preparedness Directorate. These grants are awarded to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards. In December 2021, the Fire Department applied for $78,000 in AFG funding under the Wellness and Fitness category.
DISCUSSION:
FEMA notified the Fire Department that they were awarded funding to provide wellness physicals for department personnel in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 1582 — Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. Annual wellness physicals have been a goal for the department for many years. Cancer and heart attacks are leading causes of firefighter deaths. If caught early, many cancers may be treated and cured. Individuals at risk for heart disease may reduce that risk through proper medical evaluation and early intervention. Additionally, annual wellness physicals will address the department goal to reduce the number of workers compensation claims due to illness and injuries experienced by firefighting personnel.
Fiscal Considerations
A well -managed wellness and fitness program has the potential to greatly reduce the number of workers compensation claims by Fire Department personnel. The grant provides funding of $78,000, including Federal funding ($70,909.90) and 10 percent matching funds ($7,090.91), which will be met within existing Fire Department funding. 1 Impact to the Community
The community will benefit from having healthy and fit firefighters responding to fire and life safety incidents.
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JAMES CLAYTON
Acting Deputy Fire Chief
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