To maintain the operational readiness of the Hazardous Materials Response Team and Special Operations capability of the city, the City of Schertz Fire Department is seeking support through the Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) Power Up grant program to purchase a new mobile compressor and cascade system. This system will be professionally mounted on a dedicated utility truck assigned to the Hazardous Materials and Special Operations Response Teams. 

A cascade and compressor system is a specialized array of high-pressure air cylinders used to refill the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders that firefighters and technicians wear to breath in Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments. 

Alignment with GVEC Values

The GVEC Power Up program is built on the "neighbor helping neighbor" philosophy. By funding this project, GVEC is directly contributing to the health and welfare of the community by ensuring that those who run toward danger have the life-sustaining air they need to complete their mission and return home safely. 

The goal of this project is to enhance the Schertz Fire Department's operational independence and personnel safety by integrating a mobile compressor and cascade air-refill system into our Hazardous Materials and Special Operations fleet. By securing the GVEC Power Up grant, we aim to eliminate logistical delays during high-stakes special operations incidents, ensuring our responders have a continuous supply of life-sustaining air directly at the scene of an emergency. 

Currently, during prolonged Hazardous Materials or Special Operations incidents, teams must rely on an aging system or fixed air stations at fire stations or wait for external mutual aid to shuttle air cylinders. This creates a critical gap in service during the most dangerous phase of an incident. 

Acquiring this new mobile system will provide:

• On-Scene Sustainability: Allows the Hazardous Materials and Special Operations teams to refill air cylinders directly at the scene of an emergency, ensuring continuous operations without the delay of transporting equipment back to the station if our current aging system fails. 
• Enhanced Safety: Provides a guaranteed supply of clean, breathable air for personnel operating in toxic or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, directly reducing the risk of respiratory injury or long-term health complications. 
• Regional Resiliency: As a member of regional response groups, the Schertz Fire Department's enhanced capability benefits not just Schertz residents, but the entire GVEC service area during large-scale emergencies or industrial accidents. 

Consider and act upon a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute a grant agreement for the Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) Power Up grant, in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the purpose of enhancing special operations capabilities.

100% Reimbursable Grant Program

Total Project Cost: $50,000.00

Consider and act upon a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute a grant agreement for the Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) Power Up grant, in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the purpose of enhancing special operations capabilities.