AFD Receives Grant for Emergency Medical Services Training and Wellness Program

From Alameda Fire Department

On March 22, the Alameda Fire Department was awarded $161,368 from the US Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) Program. 

The grant provides funding to purchase equipment for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training and the Fire Department’s Wellness / Fitness Program for firefighters.

The Fire Department routinely seeks outside funding opportunities to leverage and stretch City funding. Over the last ten years the Department has been awarded more than $5.6 million in funding from FEMA for equipment, vehicles, staff, training, and a fire boat. 

Instead of paying for private courses offered outside the City, the current AFG funding helps pay for equipment to support the Department’s goal of implementing an in-house EMS training curriculum that allows firefighters to effectively teach and realistically practice skills.

Firefighting duties require physical strength and endurance therefore, each Alameda firefighter is required to perform 90 minutes of cardio and strength training during each shift.

The AFG funding will be used to acquire new, state of the art exercise equipment that enables firefighters to emulate movements and demands of the job.  With new equipment, firefighters will continue to develop and improve their physical and mental conditioning which will ultimately reduce

”We are extremely grateful that FEMA has awarded us this grant funding," said Fire Chief Mike D’Orazi. "With these funds we will be able to improve our EMS training delivery and continue our commitment to the wellness-fitness of our firefighters."