5.3. SR 06-07-2004Item ~ 5.3.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bruce A. West, Fire Chief
DATE: June 7, 2004
SUBJECT: 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
On behalf of the Elk River Fire Department, I would like to advise the Mayor and City Council that the
Fire Department was chosen for a 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Sixth District Congressman
Mark Kennedy will be present at the Monday, June 7, 2004 City Council meeting to present the Elk
River Fire Department with the grant award. The approved project costs amount to $143,360. The
Federal share is 90% or $129,024 of the approved amount and our share of the costs is 10% or $14,336.
The Elk River Fire Department submitted an application for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant
program under the category of operations and firefighter safety. Under the operations and firefighter
safety category, the Fire Department applied for 800 MHz mobile and hand held radios and personal
protective equipment for the 40 firefighters. The requested Fire Act Grant funding -,viii not only benefit
our Fire Department, but will benefit our mutual aid partners as well. Both Hennepin County and Anoka
County Fire Departments are entering into the 800 MHz radio system and the Elk River Fire
Department will purchase 800 MHz radios to ensure interoperability communication with our mutual aid
partners.
The personal protective equipment to be purchased by the Elk River Fire Department will include 40 full
sets of response gear for each and every f~refighter within our department. This will include helmets,
boots, gloves, hoods, coats, pants, and suspenders. Our firefighters are expected to perform difficult
work in hazardous environments on a regular basis. Equipping them with the best personal protective
equipment available will allow our firefighters to perform their duties in a safe manner and with
confidence in their gear.
The Elk River Fire Department is very excited to receive a 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the
purchase of radios and personal protective equipment for their department. I would like to thank Sixth
District Congressman Mark Kennedy for appearing at the June 7, 2004 City Council meeting to award
this grant to the Elk River Fire Department. If you have any questions in reference to the 2004
Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, please feel free to call me at the Elk River Fire Department at
763-635-1105. I will be in attendance at Monday's meeting.
S: ~Council~Bruce~ 2004~grantaward.doc