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Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the Amount of $40,028 to be Matched with Local Funds in the Amount of $4,003
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Department:
Fire
Meeting Date:
January 7, 2025
Contact Name:
Steve Mason
Public Hearing:
N/A
Contact Phone:
910-343-3906
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the City Manager to apply for a 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant ("AFG") to allow the Wilmington Fire Department to acquire an advanced drone system to enhance WFD's hazardous materials ("Hazmat") response capabilities, for a project total of $44,031, including $40,028 in grant funding, with a local match of $4,003.
BACKGROUND:
The priority identified in the 2024 AFG Micro Grant application is to equip our department with cutting-edge technology that improves the safety and efficiency of firefighter operations, particularly for IDLH ("immediately dangerous to life or health") environments, through atmospheric monitoring.
All WFD personnel are NCOSFM-certified at the Hazmat Operations level, with 30 members holding advanced Hazmat Technician/Specialist certifications. Recognizing the advancements in technology and the successful buildout of our drone program over the past few years, WFD has identified the integration of drone operations with atmospheric monitoring as a critical need.
WFD serves a sizeable coastal region with numerous high-consequence risk locations, including tank farms, manufacturing facilities, major transportation corridors, airports, and hospitals.
With the approval of this grant, WFD aims to deploy this drone system as an initial response tool to:
* Confirm potential hazards from a safe distance.
* Establish and map hot, warm, and cold zones.
* Provide actionable intelligence for evacuation and operational planning.
* Detect toxic fumes, unstable structures, or potential explosive risks.
The proposed dr...
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