The City of Schertz Fire Department is committed to proactive fire prevention and community resilience. To enhance our current prevention programs, we are seeking authorizing to apply for a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. This funding would facilitate the acquisition of a digital fire extinguisher training system, a state-of-the-art tool designed to provide realistic, clean, and safe fire suppression training for city employees, local partners, and the public. 

Traditional fire extinguisher training often involves live-fire scenarios using chemical discharge. While effective, these methods present several challenges:

• Cost & Maintenance: Recharging extinguishers are disposing of materials is expensive and labor-intensive. 
• Safety Constraints: Live-fire training cannot easily be conducted indoors or in professional office environments where staff work daily. 

The digital training system utilizes LED-driven digital flames and laser training extinguishers. This technology allows the Schertz Fire Department to simulate various fire classes in a controlled environment. 

• Standardize Employee Safety: To provide 100% of City of Schertz staff with annual, hands-on fire suppression training in their actual work environments without the mess of hazards of traditional dry-chemical discharge. 
• Expand Community Outreach: To increase the number of public fire safety demonstrations by 25% within the first year by utilizing a portable system that can be deployed at community events, schools, and local non-profits. 
• Promote Environmental Stewardship: To eliminate the release of chemical agents and CO2 during training exercises, aligning with the City's commitment to sustainable and clean operations. 
• Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: To offer ready-to-respond certification training for local Schertz businesses and non-profit organizations, fostering a safer economic corridor. 

If awarded, this system will serve as a cornerstone for multiple community outreach initiatives:

• City Staff: Ensuring all municipal employees from all departments are prepared to respond to an emergency without leaving their worksites. 
• Private & Non-Profit Partners: Offering specialized training to local businesses, daycare centers, and places of worship to meet safety compliance and protect residents. 
• The Public: Enhancing the Junior and High School fire academy programs and school demonstrations with a hands-on, intimidation-free learning experience. 

Consider and act upon a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute a grant agreement for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant program, in an amount not to exceed $19,000 for the purpose of enhancing fire prevention programs of Schertz Fire Department.

100% Reimbursable Grant Program

Total Project Cost: $19,000.00

Consider and act upon a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute a grant agreement for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant program, in an amount not to exceed $19,000 for the purpose of enhancing fire prevention programs of Schertz Fire Department.