GRANT AWARD !!!!

Satellite Beach Fire Department Awarded Department of Homeland Security Grant- Satellite Beach Fire Department was awarded a Department of Homeland Security, Assistance to Firefighters Grant on January 29, 2010.  The grant is to fund expansion of Satellite Beach Fire Departments Technical Rescue Program that includes, Confined Space Rescue, Trench Collapse Rescue, Structural Collapse Rescue, and Advanced Vehicle Machinery Rescue. The projected funded $33,221 for specialized equipment, $30,942 for training, and $29,440 for personnel cost to attend the specialized training.

We are excited beyond words of this announcement, stated Don Hughes, Fire Chief of Satellite Beach Fire Department. We have been slowing building our technical skills and equipment over the past 6 years. When Satellite Beach was impacted by the 2004 hurricane, we requested a specialized team to respond to assist us in clearing the damaged Condominium units along A1A that were damaged. The challenge was these specialized equipped and trained teams were in short supply, so Satellite Beach Firefighters had to conduct search operations without the benefit of the training or equipment that supports our safety and those of any victims. Fortunately there were no trapped victims; however this event caused the department to enhance our service delivery to meet the needs of our community.

Satellite Beach had been acquiring training and equipment through our normal budget process, but the recent economic downturn slowed the process. This project which totals over $93,153.00 received 95% funding from the Department of Homeland Security, and only has a 5% match from the city. Chief Hughes stated the $4,657.00 match requirement is less than the cost on one piece of specialized equipment. I think we will take it! What a tremendous opportunity for our department and ultimately the citizens we serve.

Satellite Beach Fire Department will begin the equipment acquisition within the next 30 days, and begin the training process immediately. Each firefighter will be required to go through over 120 hours of intensive training to meet the minimal requirements to offer this type of service. The training is expected to be completed by December of this year. We will begin our training with Structural Collapse operations before the 2010 hurricane season, so we can be ready if we have another year like 2004.

For more information you may contact Media Relations Specialist Paula Brandt @ 321-773-4405, or Chief Don Hughes @ 321-508-4221