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ITEM 12

City Council Memorandum Fire Memo No.

Date:

June 27, 2024

To:

Mayor and Council

Thru:

Joshua H. Wright, City Manager
Tadd Wille, Assistant City Manager
Thomas Dwiggins, Fire Chief

From:

Megan Dryer, Management Analyst Senior

Subject:

Resolution No. 5816 Collaboration Agreement with Arizona State University for AmeriCorps Program Participation

Proposed Motion:

Move City Council pass and adopt Resolution No. 5816 authorizing a Collaboration Agreement with the Arizona Board of Regents, for and on behalf of Arizona State University, for participation in the AmeriCorps Program.

Background/Discussion:

The City of Chandler Fire Department (CFD) seeks to enter a Collaboration Agreement with Arizona State University (ASU) for continued participation in the AmeriCorps Program. CFD has partnered with this program for the last two years. The current agreement will terminate on August 31, 2024, unless renewed by the mutual written agreement of both parties.

Managed by ASU's School of Social Work, the Survivor Link AmeriCorps program, funded by the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family, aims to enhance knowledge of healthy relationships and provide domestic violence intervention. AmeriCorps receives funding from a variety of entities, and this specific program receives funding in relation to domestic violence intervention/prevention. Because Crisis Response Unit staff serve as victim advocates, participants engage in providing information and resources regarding victim compensation, orders of protection, and safety planning, all of which qualify as components of this program.

CFD has hosted three individuals within this program to date, and anticipates hosting two additional participants moving forward. Participants must complete 300 hours per semester overall, typically working 12 hours per week. Students must also be Master of Social Work (MSW) students to participate. Interns are supervised by the Department's full-time Senior Crisis Interventionists and Crisis Intervention Senior Program Manager, and work out of Station 283 in which the Crisis Response program is stationed. Interns work with Crisis Interventionists and respond to 911 service calls in which Crisis Response services are dispatched. The program aids the Department in providing a higher level of service, as interns retain applicable degrees, education, and experience to help provide services to individuals requiring assistance.

Interns receive vast training prior to beginning their roles within the Department. Training courses include 10-12 hours of Regional Crisis Interventionist Training, CFD-specific protocol training, 24 hours of observational ride-alongs with the CR288 unit, equipment training, review of Departmental Standard Operating Guidelines, and the completion of critical City-required courses.

The City of Chandler Fire Department wishes to continue to host AmericCorps program participants to deliver these services. Approval of this agreement will enhance the Department's capacity to provide continued essential education and intervention services, representing a significant step toward improving community safety and well-being.

Financial Implications:

There is no anticipated financial impact associated with the approval of Resolution No. 5816.

Attachments

Resolution No. 5816

City of Chandler and ASU AmericCorps Partnership Agreement