Fire chief: new training prop in place, city pursuing consolidation and EMS grants

Fire Chief Scott Sarver told the Committee of the Whole that a crane had placed the department’s new shipping‑container training prop and that fabrication and planning are underway, with a target operational date of Oct. 20, 2026. “The crane showed up and the shipping containers are in place…It actually was under the cost we expected,” Sarver said.

Sarver said the department is participating in a state innovation/consolidation grant process and supplying documents to a multi‑jurisdictional study that could change how services are organized and funded regionally. He described the innovation grant as a multi‑year program that, in other districts, has produced large awards: “Over their 5 years, they’ll receive just under $25,000,000,” he said, citing recent award examples for neighboring municipalities.

On health and smaller grants, Sarver reported the department completed 18 preventative cancer ultrasound scans for staff and nearby departments and is applying for foundation grants such as the Leary program and Firehouse Subs to help replace expensive extrication equipment. He said the department will reapply next year for EMS grant funding and hopes to include eligible activities going forward.