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Submittal of Application to US Department of Homeland Security for FY 2024-25 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program 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 November 6, 2024, of the application for the grant opening on November 12, 2024, and closing on December 20, 2024. Due to the short amount of time to write the grant, HCFR is requesting approval from the Board to apply for this grant. The application will follow the grant policy for review and approval of County grant personnel. HCFR would like to apply for two (2) AFG Grants, one for education to allow Paramedic tuition reimbursement and the second to purchase IGH monitoring equipment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A budget resolution will be presented to the Board at the time of the grants award. The AFG grant has a 10% cost match. HCFR budgeted for AFG matching funds in:
Fund: 1661 - HC Fire Rescue - Fire, Department: 02261 - HC Fire Rescue-Fire, Account: 5999078 - Trnsf-Grant Match ($30,000) and
Fund: 1691 - HC Fire Rescue-Rescue, Department: 02491 - HC Fire Rescue-Rescue, Account: 5999078 - Trnsf-Grant Match ($15,000).
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Board authorize submittal of the two grant applications for the purposes stated above and designate Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier as the authorized official to apply electronically, per FEMA’s Grant policies, for the AFG Grant FY 2024 - 2025.