8G
Date: January 27, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee
By: Jamie Le, Assistant to the City Manager | [email protected] Subject: Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee – Approve Transfer of the El Segundo Fire Department (ESFD) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Apparatus to the Torrance Fire Department (TFD), Authorize Purchase of Required Equipment, and Accept and File Minutes. Expenditure: $35,000 (General Fund).
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee that City Council:
1. Approve the transfer of the El Segundo Fire Department (ESFD) 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 from the City of El Segundo in the amount of $35,000; and
3. Accept and file the meeting minutes of the December 16, 2025 Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee Meeting.
FUNDING
Funding is available in the Fire Department’s fiscal year 2025-26 Operating Budget and is anticipated to be available in subsequent fiscal years.
DISCUSSION
On December 16, 2025, the Torrance Fire Department (TFD) presented an item to the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee requesting to approve the transfer of an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Apparatus from El Segundo Fire Department. Budget and staffing reductions have limited the El Segundo Fire Department’s ability to sustain its Type 1 “Heavy” USAR team and meet regional requirements. To preserve these capabilities locally, TFD is seeking approval to assume El Segundo’s USAR apparatus and purchase its equipment, which will replace the existing truck (Asset #246). Given the regional nature of this asset, it will be considered a 2 nd life vehicle for replacement purposes. When the City flags a vehicle as 2nd life, no funds are set aside each fiscal year for its future replacement. The estimated replacement cost of this asset is approximately $2.3 million in five years, based on a current estimated replacement value of $1.8 million escalated 5% annually. When this asset is beyond its useful life, the cities benefiting from it being retained in the region can consider joint contribution for its replacement at that time.
Should there be no desire to jointly fund, the City could choose to do so itself or augment the resources we have locally at a lower ongoing cost.
1 City Council
January 27, 2026
This transfer would significantly expand TFD’s USAR capacity by pairing the apparatus and equipment with its already state-trained personnel, enabling TFD to maintain the highest Cal OES USAR designation and become eligible for UASI and SHSP grant funding. The Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee recommends that the City Council approve the transfer of the apparatus and associated grant funding, authorize the purchase of associated equipment and accept and file the Committee’s December 16, 2025 meeting minutes.
ATTACHMENTS
1. December 16, 2025 Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee Agenda Packet and Presentation
2. December 16, 2025 Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes 2
TorranceCA.Gov | Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Instagram
TORRANCE
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS AND PUBLIC SAFETY
COUNCIL COMMITTEE
AGENDA
Thursday, April 24, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
4:00 PM
LeROY J. JACKSON COUNCIL CHAMBER
3031 TORRANCE BLVD.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Manager’s office at (310) 618-5880. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28CFR35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]
Direct questions or concerns to the City Council at (310) 618-2801, City Manager at (310) 618-5880, or the individual department head prior to submission to the City Council. Parties will be notified if the complaint will be included on a subsequent agenda.
PARTICIPATE BEFORE THE MEETING by submitting a public comment on the OneMeeting Public Portal at https://torranceca.primegov.com/public/portal?fromiframe=true . Hard copies of public comment may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. All comments submitted before 2:00 p.m . on Thursday, April 24, 2025, will be published for public review prior to the meeting. Comments received after 2:00 p.m., but prior to the adjournment of the meeting will be added to the record.
The agenda was posted on the Public Notice Board at 3031 Torrance Blvd and on the City’s Website on Monday, April 21, 2025 /s/ Rebecca Poirier
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Committee Member Asam Sheikh
3. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
4. REPORT OF STAFF ON THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
3 ATTACHMENT 1
TorranceCA.Gov | Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Instagram
5. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
5A. Fire - Accept and File the Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024, and the SB1205 Compliance Report for 2024. Expenditure: None Recommendation of the Fire Chief that the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee:
1. Accept and file the Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024; and
2. Accept and file the SB1205 Compliance Report for 2023; and
3. Concur with Fire Chief and forward a recommendation to the City Council to Accept and File the Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024, the receipt of SB1205 Compliance Report for 2024, and Accept and File the meeting minutes from the April 24, 2025 Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee at a future City Council Meeting.
6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for comment on items not on the agenda or on topics of general interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee.
Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee cannot act on items raised during public comment but may respond briefly to statements made or questions posed; request clarification; or refer the item to staff.
7. CLOSING REMARKS
8. ADJOURNMENT
4 5A
Date: April 24, 2025
To: Chair and Members of the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee From: David Dumais, Fire Chief
By: Michelle Masak, Sr. Administrative Analyst | [email protected] Subject: Fire - Accept and File the Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024, and the SB1205 Compliance Report for 2024. Expenditure:
None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Fire Chief that the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee:
1. Accept and file the Torrance Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024; and
2. Accept and file the SB1205 Compliance Report for 2024; and
3. Concur with Fire Chief and forward a recommendation to the City Council to Accept and File the Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024, the receipt of SB1205 Compliance Report for 2024, and Accept and File the meeting minutes from the April 25, 2025 Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee at a future City Council meeting.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
As a component of the continuous improvement process, the Torrance Fire Department (TFD) develops an Annual Quality Improvement Update report. This report provides an opportunity to track and report the progress on established goals and objectives. In addition, the report outlines:
The department’s service delivery performance compared to established benchmarks adopted in the TFD Community Risk Assessment / Standards of Cover document. An analysis of development trends and service delivery statistics to monitor potential impacts on TFD service capabilities.
A list of Divisional Accomplishments for 2024.
1 5
Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee
April 24, 2025
Lastly, the report contains information on compliance with annual inspection requirements, pursuant to SB 1205. For 2024, the TFD annual inspection requirement and compliance were as follows:
45 Group E (Educational) occupancies identified and inspected 935 Group R (Residential) occupancies identified and inspected
The Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024 and SB1205 compliance report were created by staff using Esri StoryMaps and can be accessed at:
https://arcg.is/0uyr8C0
If the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee decides to accept and file the presented Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024 and SB1205 Compliance Report, the Fire Chief recommends that the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee recommend to City Council to also Accept and File the presented Torrance Fire Department Annual Quality Improvement Update Report for 2024 and SB1205 Compliance Report, in addition to Accepting and Filing the Meeting Minutes from the April 24, 2025, Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee at a future City Council meeting.
2 6
Employee Relations and
Public Safety Committee
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Program
Business Plan Overview
December 16, 2025
7 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
8 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
9 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 10 11
12 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
13 The El Segundo Fire Department’s USAR
vehicle is a 2005 Spartan tractor
-
drawn
apparatus with a Hackney USAR trailer.
14 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
15 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
16 17
18 19
20 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 21 Funding and Costs
• Ongoing funding sources: UASI and SHSP grants support equipment purchases and training
• Regional and State responses are reimbursed through Cal OES 22 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
23 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
24 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
25 Questions?
Thank you for your support
AC Timothy Behen
26 1 of 3
4 4
4 1
December 16, 2025
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL EMPLOYEE RELATIONS & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Employe Relations & Public Safety Committee convened in a regular meeting on December 16 , 2025 at 2:06 pm in the LeRoy Jackson Council Chamber
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Kalani, Committee Member Sheikh
Absent: Committee Member Kaji
Present: Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Le, Fire Chief Dumais, and Assistant Fire Chief Timothy Behen
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance was led by Committee Member Sheikh.
3. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
Chair Kalani welcomed those in attendance and requested that committee members introduce themselves to the public.
Staff presenting:
Assistant Fire Chief Timothy Behen and Staff Liaison Assistant to the City Manager, Jamie Le.
4. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
4A. 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 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. • Committee Member Sheikh asks for clarification regarding the reimbursement of funds used to purchase equipment.
o Assistant Fire Chief Timothy Behen clarifies that CalOES will not be reimbursing the $35,000 purchase; however, the Fire Department has a designated budget for apparatus
replacement.
27 ATTACHMENT 2
2 of 3
4 4
4 1
• Committee Member Sheikh asks for clarification regarding why ESFD will no longer be able to sustain the program.
o Fire Chief Dumais clarifies that ESFD did not have enough interested staff to maintain the program. Assistant Fire Chief Behen emphasizes that the City of Torrance is significantly larger than ESFD and will be able to sustain the program. • Chair Kalani asks for clarification regarding TFD staffing and training costs.
o Assistant Fire Chief Behen clarifies that there will be no increase in staffing or staffing costs, and current TFD staff will be trained. Additionally, grant funds will cover the cost of training and equipment.
• Chair Kalani has concerns regarding the quality of the equipment. o Assistant Fire Chief Behen clarifies that equipment located on the USAR is brand new and notes that most equipment has never before been used. The USAR has 10,000 miles and has been verified by a city mechanic to be in great condition.
Assistant Fire Chief Behen adds that the USAR has a life expectancy of 10 years, approximating another 5-7 years before a replacement is needed.
• Chair Kalani inquires whether there are any potential drawbacks to implementing this program.
o Assistant Fire Chief Behen notes that the City of Torrance Fire Department is already participating in this program but is currently paying out of pocket to fund. He adds that if approved, program grants will cover all costs and the current vehicle utilized by TFD will be auctioned.
MOTION: Committee Member Sheikh made a motion to Accept and File the report and to bring back to full City Council for approval. The motion was seconded by Chair Kalani.
Vote : Motion passed 3-0.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Kalani asked if there were any members of the public that wished to speak under the Public Comment section. No members of the public wished to speak at this time.
6. CLOSING REMARKS
Assistant to the City Manager, Jamie Le summarizes that the item will be returning to the full City Council regarding the transfer of the USAR from ESFD, approve the purchase of equipment not to exceed $35,000, accept all associated grants, and accept and file the committee meeting minutes.
28 3 of 3
4 4
4 1
7. ADJOURNMENT
At 2:30 pm, Committee Member Sheikh made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by Chair Kalani. The motion carried by a vote of 2-0, with Committee Member Kaji Absent.
29