TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Michael Bachmeyer, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:
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Acceptance of the FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Award
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RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
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Accept the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant award number EMW-2025-FG-04101 for $74,228.68 and approve the non-federal contribution of funds equal to $3,534.70.
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SUMMARY:
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) represents part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This funding opportunity is intended to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. On June 11, 2026, staff applied for the FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program for eight (8) Automated External Defibrillators for Basic Life Support (BLS), six (6) P-25 Compliant Portable Radios and various Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including twenty (20) Wildland Helmets NFPA 1977 Compliant, twenty (20) Wildland Coats NFPA 1977 Compliant, twenty (20) Wildland Packs/Web Gear NFPA 1977 Compliant packs, and sixteen (16) Wildland Fire Shelters to improve firefighter safety, wildland response readiness, and operational efficiency.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
The City of Red Bluff has received the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in 2009 and in 2010. The City has applied for the AFG in FY2022 and in FY2024 and was unsuccessful in the application process.
DISCUSSION:
The purchase of this critical equipment will significantly improve the Red Bluff Fire Department’s overall effectiveness by providing personnel with appropriate gear for Wildland Fire operations. These PPE equipment investments align with the mission of the Red Bluff Fire Department (RBFD), which is “to provide the highest level of fire suppression, prevention, rescue, and emergency medical services to the community”. This critical equipment will support and help meet the RBFD's objectives and goals while aligning with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) priorities to enhance operational readiness, reduce risk, and improve firefighter safety. The addition of six (6) P-25 Compliant Portable Radios and eight (8) Automated External Defibrillators-Basic Life Support (BLS) will improve firefighter safety, enhance emergency communications, and strengthen the department’s overall ability to save lives and property.
CITY FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant will fund $70,693.98 of the project, the remaining balance of $3,534.70 (required 5% match) will be provided through a donation from the Red Bluff Volunteer Fire Department. Therefore, no fiscal impact will occur on the general fund due to the acceptance of AFG grant funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. EMW-2025-FG-04104-Award Package