The Fire Prevention Bureau submitted a grant application in the amount of $2,707 to Factory Mutual Insurance Company, Norwood, MA for the purchase of a digital camera and associated equipment to help fire investigators more efficiently investigate and determine the cause of a fire. Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants to fire departments that best demonstrate a need for funding, where dollars can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause.

On March 7, 2012, Fire Marshal Mike Spini was notified that the Billings Fire Department's grant application stood out among the hundreds received and that FM Global would be awarding the Billings Fire Department's Fire Prevention/Investigation Bureau their total request of $2,707.  The letter also stated that John King, fire service program coordinator in FM Global's San Francisco office would arrange for a check presentation. Mr. King has indicated that he has tentative plans to be in Montana the week of May 21-25 and would like to make the formal check presentation to the Fire Department at that time.

Council may:

• Accept grant award; or,
• Not accept grant award.

The annual budget for photo supplies and related purchases is $500. Acceptance of this grant award will allow the purchase of a digital camera and equipment that will greatly enhance the ability of the fire/arson investigators to fully document fire scenes during fire and arson investigations.

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the $2,707 fire prevention grant award from FM Global for the purchase of a digital camera and associated equipment for use by fire investigators.