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Ratification of Application to US Department of Homeland Security for FY 2025-26 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for Hernando County Fire and Emergency Services
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helps to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with fire-related hazards though the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Grant. The AFG program objectives are to provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to help support community resilience.
The department was notified on May 19, 2026, of the application for the grant opening that day and closing on June 22, 2026. Due to the short amount of time to write the grant and submit the application, County Administrator Jeff Rogers approved HCFR application for this grant by the closing date. The application submission included training for 30 paramedics at $5000 per person and personal protective equipment of $1,842,396. Current SCBA inventory is going to expire in 2029 and will be out of warranty so grant funding will help replace this equipment. The application followed the grant policy for review and approval. HCFR requests ratification of the submitted application for the AFG Grant for equipment and for education for Paramedic training.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
Strategic Theme: B - Commitment to Public Safety
GOAL B.1 Public Safety Operational Readiness
OBJECTIVE B.1.2 Seek opportunities to expand recruitment and training capabilities for public safety personnel, aiming to improve retention and readiness.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A budget resolution will be presented to the Board upon award of the grant.
The application requires a 10% match - the training request of $150,000 with have a match requirement of $15,000 which is budgeted in FY27 from the following account - B111-141-00000-30-52600-535500 and the equipment request is estimated at $1,842,396.18 for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus ...
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