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Council briefed on two public-safety grants: $46,750 for paramedic training and $76,478 JAG award for police equipment and training
Summary
The council heard two briefings: the fire department will use an East Region EMS Council award of $46,750 to support paramedic training for four firefighters; the police department received a JAG grant of $76,478 for equipment and training, including discussion of red-dot sights.
Two public-safety grants were briefed to the Spokane City Council.
Fire Department: Chief Julia Berg said the city received $46,750 from the East Region EMS Council. The department plans to transfer the funding to cover paramedic training costs. Four firefighters are scheduled to begin paramedic school next month; the grant will offset training expenses. Berg clarified that EMT certification is included in the last five weeks of the recruit academy for those who do not already hold EMT credentials and that paramedic training is an additional certification above EMT.
Police Department: Chief Coles briefed a $76,478 JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) award for equipment and training. During the briefing, Coles described “red dot” sights: “It projects a red dot on a glass screen, and it allows for more efficient and more accurate acquisition of a tire target and delivery of force on that target,” he said, explaining the tactical advantage and noting how traditional iron sights differ.
Council members asked clarifying questions on how the grants would be used and whether the equipment constituted a material change in operations. No formal council action was recorded in the transcript on these briefings; staff will return with contract amendments or purchase requests as appropriate.
