4A
Date: December 16, 2025
To: Chair and Members of the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee From: David Dumais, Fire Chief
By: Timothy Behen, Fire Battalion Chief | [email protected] Subject: Fire - Approve Transfer of the El Segundo Fire Department (ESDF) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Rig to the Torrance Fire Department (TFD) and Authorization to Purchase Required Equipment. Expenditure: $35,000 (General Fund)
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Fire Chief that the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee:
1. Approve the transfer of the El Segundo Fire Department (ESDF) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) apparatus to the Torrance Fire Department (TFD) and associated grant funding;and
2. Authorize the purchase of the USAR equipment assigned to the unit in the amount of $35,000.
FUNDING
Funding is available in the Fire Department’s apparatus replacement fund.
DISCUSSION
In recent months, the El Segundo Fire Department has reported that budget and staffing reductions over the past few years have limited its ability to sustain a Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team and maintain its commitments to the Area and Region. These constraints have impacted the department’s capacity to meet the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association (LAAFCA) requirements for maintaining the apparatus, equipment, and staffing necessary to respond to large-scale USAR incidents.
The Torrance Fire Department (TFD) is seeking approval to assume the El Segundo Fire Department’s USAR apparatus and purchase the associated equipment, ensuring it remains in the local area. This acquisition would significantly expand TFD’s current USAR capabilities.
Although TFD has maintained a USAR program for approximately 20 years, it has not had the opportunity to grow. The department currently has 21 personnel who meet state training requirements but lack the specialized apparatus and equipment needed to operate at a higher capability level. With this acquisition, TFD would also become eligible for Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grants. 1 Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee
December 16, 2025
Since 2005, the El Segundo Fire Department’s USAR Team has met all standards for Type 1 “Heavy” USAR designation through the State of California, including requirements related to vehicle capabilities, personnel, and equipment. This Cal OES designation represents the highest level of operational capability. By assuming the USAR apparatus and equipment—and leveraging TFD’s already-trained personnel, the Torrance Fire Department would be able to maintain this standard and be eligible for grant funding to sustain the program.
If the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee decides to accept and approve the Torrance Fire Department's receipt of the El Segundo Fire Department's USAR apparatus and the purchase of the equipment, then the Fire Chief recommends that the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee recommend to City Council that it also accept and file the Meeting Minutes from December 16, 2025, of the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee at a future City Council meeting.
ATTACHMENT
1. Staff Presentation
2 Employee Relations and
Public Safety Committee
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Program
Business Plan Overview
December 16, 2025
3 ATTACHMENT 1
Purpose
• Maintain Type I Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) program within Area G • Accept the El Segundo Fire Department Type 1 USAR apparatus and associated grants
• Revitalize the Torrance Fire Department (USAR) program • Approve purchase of the equipment cache needed to fully equip the USAR apparatus
4 Why This Matters
• Major earthquakes, structural failures, trench collapses, and confined space incidents are low-frequency, high-risk events
• USAR capability improves survivability for trapped victims in Torrance and Region I
• A fully functional USAR team supports local response, Area G mutual aid, and statewide mobilizations
5 Background
• Over 20 years of USAR program experience in Torrance
• Current USAR apparatus is a 2000 International utility unit with an aging equipment cache
• 21 trained USAR members, typically 7 on duty each day • Four California State certified USAR instructors, with five more in the certification process
• TFD Courses:
2025 2026
3 - Rope Rescue courses 2 - Rope Rescue courses
1 - Structural Collapsecourse 1 - Structural Collapse course 6 7
8 El Segundo USAR Opportunity
• El Segundo Fire Department has maintained a Cal OES typed Type 1 USAR since 2005
• Includes a 2005 Spartan tractor-drawn USAR apparatus with Hackney trailer • Budget and staffing reductions limit their ability to sustain the program and meet regional standards
• El Segundo City Council has approved the transfer the USAR apparatus to Torrance.
• Equipment grant streams and program responsibility will be transferred to Torrance
9 The El Segundo Fire Department’s USAR
vehicle is a 2005 Spartan tractor
-
drawn
apparatus with a Hackney USAR trailer.
10 Disciplines and Scope
Disciplines: Search and rescue, rope rescue,
structural collapse, trench rescue, confined
space, vehicle and machinery extrication
Primary response area: City of Torrance and
Area G
Secondary response area: Cal OES Region 1
Tertiary response: Statewide deployments
when requested
11 Equipment, Apparatus, and Facilities
• Accept transfer of the 2005 Spartan USAR apparatus and Hackney trailer • Utilize the SHSP-funded mobile Selg Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) filling station currently mounted on the 2005 Spartan USAR apparatus • House the USAR apparatus at Fire Station 1 for central access and staffing • Use Station 2, the Nike Site, Torrance Refining, and Public Works for hands-on USAR training
12 13
14 15
16 Training and Staffing Plan
• Maintain a full Type 1 USAR team that meets Cal OES and NFPA standards • Train and certify 2–4 new USAR members annually using TFD’s in-house instructors
• Continue monthly, quarterly, and annual USAR training, including LA County MOBEX and regional exercises
• Conduct annual program reviews with Area G and partner feedback • Utilize Area G trained personnel for Regional or State response 17 Funding and Costs
• Ongoing funding sources: UASI and SHSP grants support equipment purchases and training
• Regional and State responses are reimbursed through Cal OES 18 Benefits to the City and Region
• Maintains a Type I USAR resource within Area G
• Aligns TFD with state and national USAR standards
• Provides a fully staffed, trained, and equipped resource for local incidents and Regional responses
• Enhances readiness for large-scale disasters impacting residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure
• Replaces an aging USAR vehicle with a modern, purpose-built Type 1 apparatus
19 Implementation Timeline
Phase Timeline
Planning & Assessment Q2 - Q4 2025
Personnel Selection Q4 2025 - Q4 2026
Equipment Procurement Q4 2025 - Q4 2026
Program Launch Q1 2026
Evaluation & Adjustment Q2 - Q4 2026
20 Requested Action
• Approve acceptance of the El Segundo USAR apparatus
• Approve purchase of the associated USAR equipment for $35,000 • Approve transfer and acceptance of related UASI and SHSP grants • Authorize TFD to assume responsibility as the Area G USAR program coordinator
21 Questions?
Thank you for your support
AC Timothy Behen
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