Fire chief seeks $50,000 in rescue tools via grant; lists gear losses and reports positive ISO audit

Fire Chief Bergman updated the board about fire-department operations in the aftermath of the square fire and requested a resolution authorizing application for a federal/state rescue-grant to replace damaged and lost equipment.

The chief said staff applied for and are seeking forgiveness/approval for a 100% grant focused on rescue tools and asked the board to adopt a resolution permitting the application. He said the department applied for roughly $50,000 worth of rescue tools and emphasized the grant requires no local match.

Bergman listed equipment losses and repair needs after extensive firefighting: one full set of turnout gear (estimated around $4,000), damaged attack nozzles, stream lights, hose sections, and repairs to ladder communications and gauges on engines affected by heavy use during the incident. He said some vehicle repairs will be covered from the department’s maintenance budget rather than by insurance to avoid premium increases.

The department also completed an ISO audit this week; the chief said the auditor’s early impressions were positive and that staff expect to receive a formal report in the coming months.

Why it matters: If awarded, the grant would allow replacement of essential rescue tools without local matching funds; equipment losses affect response readiness and near-term maintenance budgets.