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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 |
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Contact Name: |
Steve Mason |
Public Hearing: |
N/A |
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Contact Phone: |
910-343-3906 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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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 drone system includes the following components:
• Drone aircraft with multi-gas detection kit for real-time atmospheric monitoring.
• Camera capabilities for thermal imaging, wide-angle visual assessment, and precision laser range finding.
• A calibration kit is needed to ensure accurate gas detection results.
This combination package will provide WFD with an ability to significantly enhance operational effectiveness and responder safety.
Specific operational benefits include:
• Identifying temperature abnormalities, leaks, and hazardous conditions remotely.
• Rapid setup and deployment are needed upon arrival for immediate reconnaissance.
• Precise GPS monitoring to map emergency scenes accurately.
• Rugged, all-weather design for deployment in extreme conditions.
• Seamless integration with interagency operations through the SABLE Drone Program in New Hanover County.
WFD will ensure that all drone operators are FAA Part 107 certified and fully trained in using this equipment. Additionally, WFD will make this resource available to neighboring departments and counties when needed, ensuring a broader impact on the region.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
The total project cost will be $44,031. Grant provided funds will be in the amount of $40,028, with a local match of $4,003.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the attached resolution is recommended.