City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2013
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) for the Purchase of a Driving Simulator for Personnel Training.
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ISSUE: Grant application to the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to purchase a Driving Simulator for enhanced personnel training.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the submission of a grant application due on December 6, 2013 for federal funding in the amount of $560,000 to purchase a Driving Simulator; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: On November 4, 2013, the FY13 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period opened. The objective of AFG Program is to award grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies for critically needed resources to protect the public, to train emergency personnel, and to foster interoperability and support community resilience. The purpose of the AFG Program is to enhance through direct financial assistance, the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel and to provide a continuum of support for emergency responders regarding fire, medical, and all hazard events.
DISCUSSION The Fire Department (AFD), in conjunction with Risk Management, has successfully implemented the Driver Operator Pilot Program to ensure that participants in the program are trained proficiently to drive and operate AFD apparatus in a safe and conscientious manner. In an effort to ensure that all personnel have the capacity to drive and operate the vehicles if need be, the AFD would like to pursue the purchase of a Driving Simulator in the FY13 AFG grant opportunity that is currently open.
Over the last several years, simulation training has become the benchmark and an acceptable standard in training. Advanced simulation training will allow the AFD to perform training in high-risk, low-frequency situations with measureable results that can help reduce death, injury, liability, and litigation in a safe, educational format. Simulation will allow AFD personnel to drive in both typical and atypical situations and to learn how to control and handle these situations. Simulators emulate a variety of vehicles; replicate different types of terrain, and instructors can change weather, traction, and traffic. Weather can vary from a dry, sunny day to a rainy or snowy night. The instructor can also create scenarios based on events that may have occurred or persistent situations that are reoccurring within the department.
A variety of private and government organizations in North America who have used driving simulators have experienced lower collision rates, reduced fatal accidents and a reduction in litigation severity costs after implementing simulation training.
FISCAL IMPACT: If awarded, this grant will allow the AFD to purchase a Driving Simulator for personnel training. The cost of the Driving Simulator is approximately $560,000. There is a 10% total cost share requirement. The cost share funds of $56,000 will be paid out of the Fire Programs state allocation account which is specifically for firefighter training expenditures.
Investing in a Driving Simulator has the potential to have a positive fiscal impact if the number of vehicle collisions and other accidents is reduced. Enhanced driver training could result in lower repair, litigation and injury costs.
The City is also responsible for the normal administrative costs associated with this grant, including financial and reporting oversight provided by the Fire Department, as well as the Office of Management and Budget, and the Finance Department.
ATTACHMENT: None.
STAFF:
Michele R. Evans, Deputy City Manager
Adam K. Thiel, Fire Chief