Casper council backs applying for Firehouse Subs grant to replace chainsaws

The Casper City Council agreed to pursue a Firehouse Subs grant to replace worn chainsaws used by Casper Fire/EMS, staff said at the Dec. 30 work session.

City Manager Janine Jordan introduced the item and invited the fire chief (unnamed in the transcript) to request permission to apply. The chief said many of the department’s saws are more than 20 years old and that the requested award amount is $37,726.49; the grant requires no local match. The chief said replacement saws are critical equipment for roof ventilation, vehicle extrication and other firefighting tasks.

Councilors asked whether the vendor’s local presence or permits affect eligibility; the chief said the equipment request fits the grant cycle and meets program requirements even if the vendor has not yet built a local facility. Council members recounted a lengthy past fire where multiple saws were consumed and voiced support for modern equipment. Council authorized staff to apply for the grant and indicated the council is supportive of pursuing the funding.

What happens next: staff will complete the grant application and submit it per Firehouse Subs’ program schedule. If awarded, the city will purchase replacement chainsaws and report back to council on award status and equipment deployment.