REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: KERRI L. DONIS, Fire Chief Fire Department SUBJECT ..Title Approve acceptance of 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Award in the amount of $260,250, requiring a City match of $23,660. 1. ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the acceptance of the 2021 AFG grant and authorizing completion and submission of all required documents (Subject to Mayor's veto) ..Body RECOMMENDATION It is recommended Council adopt the resolution to accept the 2021 AFG Grant for $260,250 with a City match of $23,660 and authorize the Fire chief to complete all required documents. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In January 2022, the Fire Department submitted a grant application with AFG in the amount of $260,250 (City Match $23,660) to provide funding for NFPA 1582 physicals with enhanced screening for cancer and heart disease. With repeated exposure to smoke and hazardous materials, it is the goal of the Fire Department to afford its members with a quality of life both during and after their careers. Early detection is key to helping members from being victims of cancer and heart disease. This grant will greatly help with this goal. BACKGROUND According to the CDC/National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general US population. Firefighters are repeatedly exposed to smoke and hazardous chemicals throughout their careers. With this grant, firefighters will be able to complete the comprehensive NFPA 1582 physical with enhanced screening for cancer and heart disease. The exam includes analysis of exposure history, blood test, urinalysis, vision test, audiograms, spirometry, chest exams, EKG, cancer/heart screening, infectious disease management and immunizations. Medical experts emphasize the key to cancer survival is early detection. In Spring 2021, FFD members had the opportunity to have a full body scan completed at the members' own expense. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of the department took advantage of this opportunity due to the out-of-pocket cost for the scan. However, numerous members that did complete this scan were able to identify some areas of concern that they have since followed up on with their primary care physician. This grant is designed to assist with the financial burdens for firefighters get these crucial tests. FISCAL IMPACT The City of Fresno's share of costs related to this grant is $23,659 and will be paid from vacancy savings due to the delayed awarding of the SAFER grant. Twenty-four (24) positions funded for September 1, 2022, will not be filled until the latter part of September. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not implemented because this item is not the subject of a competitive bid. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this item is not a project for the purposes of CEQA. Attachment: Resolution - Authorizing Acceptance of Grant