The Waukesha Common Council unanimously approved acceptance of two federal grants for the fire department: a $265,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to fund paramedic training and a $71,652.40 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant to pay for a community risk assessment, a standard-of-cover document and a community-driven strategic plan.

Fire Chief Copeland presented both awards and described the timing pressure: "When the grant was awarded, we have a 30 day window to accept the grant," he said, explaining why the item was brought directly to council. He said the AFG will cover tuition, materials and backfill costs for paramedic school and that the AFG includes a local match of $24,154.66. Chief Copeland described the prevention grant as funding “the community risk assessment, a standard of cover, and a community driven strategic plan” and said that award includes a match of $3,412.02.

Why it matters: The AFG funds will allow the fire department to increase paramedic capacity without the city bearing the full upfront training cost. The prevention grant will pay for planning and assessment documents that are commonly used for accreditation and to shape staffing and deployment decisions.

Council action: Alderman Eric Payne moved to accept both grants; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Implementation notes: The AFG funds must be spent within the grant’s two-year window; the department will coordinate training schedules and backfill for shifts as necessary. The grants require local matching funds (listed above) that may be satisfied by cash or in-kind contributions per the grant terms. Chief Copeland asked the council to approve acceptance at tonight’s meeting because the grant deadline would otherwise have risked the award.

Next steps: Fire Department staff will coordinate procurement, training enrollment and reporting required by the grant programs and will return to the council or finance committee as required for match approval or budget amendments.