Council accepts FEMA AFG award to replace firefighters' breathing gear; Measure Q to cover local share

The Manteca City Council unanimously approved a resolution accepting a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and a cost-sharing agreement totaling $790,225 to replace the city's aging self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs).

Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Dennis told council the award will fund replacement of equipment firefighters use during structure fires, hazardous-material responses and confined-space operations. "This grant will replace our 2007 self-contained breathing apparatus…" Dennis said, adding the federal share will save the city Measure Q dollars that otherwise would have been needed.

Dennis said the federal portion of roughly $720,000 will be supplemented with local Measure Q funding for the remaining cost. Council members thanked staff and grant lead Battalion Chief Travis Gooch; the department said the award stretches Measure Q resources by substituting federal funds for planned capital purchases.

Council Member Breitenbucher moved approval; Council Member Lackey seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Staff will execute grant documents and the city will appropriate grant revenue and capital budget to the Fire Grants Fund for the SCBA project.