We are  happy to report that this year the Fire Department has been successful in being awarded three Assistance to Firefighter’s Grants, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Department has been awarded a grant for the purchase of a replacement ladder truck for Station 71. Station 71’s current ladder truck is a 1991 with approximately 100,000 miles and is approaching the end of its useful life span. The total budget for this project is $951,562 with FEMA funding 90% ($856,406) and the City funding a cost share of 10% ($95,156).
Secondly, the Fire Department has been awarded a grant for the purchase of 36 breathing apparatus packs to replace their current packs that have less than two years left on their lifespan. The total budget for this project is $200,000 with FEMA funding 80% ($160,000) and the City funding a cost share of 20% ($40,000).

Finally, the Fire Department has been awarded a grant for the purchase of automated chest compression devices for all three stations. The total budget for this project is $72,597 with FEMA funding 90% ($65,338) and the City funding a cost share of 10% ($7,259).
All three of these grants will come before the City Council, with a full presentation, in the near future for consideration of final authorization and acceptance.

It is a pleasure to report that the El Cerrito Fire Department has started to set a fairly good track record securing funding from many Grant Programs over the last 10 years.
• 2003: $46,093 Fire Safety House
• 2004: $73,879 Breathing Apparatus
• 2006: $7,974 Wildland Shelters
• 2007: $72,000 Multi-Casualty Unit
• 2008: $278,000 Regional Fire Trainer
• 2008: $42,300 RIC Training
• 2009: $8,000 Fire Extinguisher Training Prop
• 2010: $172,884 Cardiac Monitors
• 2011: $328,676 EBRCS Radio Equipment
• 2012: $37,383 USAR Shoring and Cribbing Equipment
• 2013: $856,406 Ladder Truck
• 2013: $160,000 Breathing Apparatus
• 2013: $65,338 Automated Chest Compression Devices

These grants total $2,148,933 in funds to support the Fire Department Operations. The Department hopes to continue this success into next year.