The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) is a vital funding stream managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered in Texas by the Office of the Governor (OOG), Public Safety Office. 

For the City of Schertz, this grant is particularly relevant as it supports the “Response” mission area – specifically under Mass Search and Rescue Operations, Emergency Support Function (ESF) 9 to address regional gaps in rescue capabilities. 
 

The goal of this project is to modernize the City of Schertz's extrication capabilities by transitioning from tethered hydraulic systems to next-generation, battery-operated rescue tools. By utilizing State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) funds, we will equip our front-line apparatus with portable, high-powered cutting and spreading tools that allow for immediate, off-road rescue operations, significantly reducing the time it takes to remove trapped victims from wreckage. 

The Zero - Setup Response

In a life-or-death extrication, every second spent pulling hoses or starting generators is a second a patient isn't receiving medical care. These tools allow us to start cutting the moment we step off the truck. 

Overcoming the I-35 Barrier (Portability)

We are no longer tethered to our trucks. Whether a vehicle is 50 feet down an embankment or buried in the middle of a 10-car pileup on I-35, our rescuers have full power in the palm of their hands. 

Fighting New Car Technology

To match tool power to modern engineering. New battery-operated rescue equipment is specifically designed with higher PSI and specialized blades to shear through the reinforced frames of modern electric and luxury vehicles. 

By transitioning to battery-operated tools, we are moving Schertz into the modern era of firefighting. We are replacing heavy, tethered, 20th century technology with the same high-output lithium-ion power that is revolutionizing every other industry. Best of all, we are using State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) funds to do it ensuring our residents receive excellent protection without the price tag on their property tax bill. 

Drastic Reduction in Time to Trauma Center

For a patient trapped in a vehicle, the rescue doesn't end when the car is cut; it ends when they reach a surgeon. 

• In a critical trauma situation, 5 minutes is the difference between a full recovery and a permanent disability. These tools allow us to begin life-saving work the moment we step off the engine, getting our citizens to the hospital faster. 

Enhanced Safety for Rescuers and Bystanders

Traditional hydraulic tools require high-pressure hoses running across a dark, wet, or chaotic crash site. 

• By going cordless, we are creating a cleaner, safer hot zone. Our firefighters can focus entirely on the victim instead of managing tangled hoses or dodging trip hazards in the dark on the side of I-35. 

Consider and act upon a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute a sub-recipient agreement for the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant through the Office of the Governor (OOG), in an amount not to exceed $90,850.00, for the purpose of enhancing rapid response capacity and mobile area command initiative

If this application is unsuccessful, an immediate application to the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) is recommended which falls under the same funding conditions as SHSP. 
 

100% Reimbursable Grant Program

The most important point is that the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) is a no match grant. 
We are acquiring $90,850.00 worth of Emergency Management assets for $0 in local capital outlay. 
This preserves the City’s general fund for other infrastructure needs while still upgrading emergency management capability. 
Schertz will be required to pay the vendors upfront and then submit documentation to the Texas Office of the Governor (OOG) for reimbursement. 
 

Consider and act upon a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute a sub-recipient agreement for the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant through the Office of the Governor (OOG), in an amount not to exceed $90,850.00, for the purpose of enhancing rapid response capacity and mobile area command initiative

If this application is unsuccessful, an immediate application to the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) is recommended which falls under the same funding conditions as SHSP.