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Palatka Fire Department reports new grants, certifications and training partnerships
Summary
Palatka fire officials updated the commission on an 82% increase in industrial partner funding for USAR/HAZMAT, a newly certified fire investigator, regional training events, burn‑building rehabilitation, grants for station upgrades and upcoming car‑seat training and community outreach.
Fire Department officials briefed the City of Palatka City Commission on Oct. 9, 2025, describing recent grant awards, certifications and training partnerships they said will boost local emergency response capacity.
Fire Administration told commissioners that Georgia‑Pacific agreed to an 82% increase in funding to support Palatka’s HAZMAT and urban search and rescue (USAR) capabilities. The department is renegotiating contracts with industrial partners to formalize those increases.
Deputy Chief Brantford was announced as a newly Florida‑certified Fire Investigator I, and two additional personnel are pursuing the same certification to expand local investigative capacity, fire officials said. “This allows us to do more and also capture our own data,” a department official said, noting that local investigators will reduce reliance on county or state resources for certain incidents.
The department reported activation of its burn building after local staff and volunteers performed repairs; the training structure supports firefighter readiness and helps the city’s ISO rating, officials said. Palatka will also host training as part of the Ancient City Fire Expo, with regional and out‑of‑state firefighters using Palatka facilities during the three‑day event.
On equipment and facilities, the department said it is moving forward on Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) work, including hurricane‑rated bay doors and windows; it also reported being placed in Tier 2 consideration for a station upgrade. The Women’s Club donated funding for a new firefighting hood, and the department applied to FM Global for iPads to support digital reporting.
Public outreach items include a tentative car‑seat installation class on Dec. 4 and ongoing offers for free smoke detectors and fire‑extinguisher training for local businesses and community groups. The department asked residents and organizations to schedule outreach by calling the listed city number.
Commissioners praised the department’s work. “We have a top tier fire department under your leadership,” Commissioner Davis said. No formal city action or budget approval was taken at the meeting; the briefing was informational and staff will return with proposals if grant match or procurement is required.
