CITY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES
Agenda Cover Page Fiscal Impact: Yes Contract Requirement: No Title RESOLUTION 2026-068 AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO APPLY TO THE FY 2025 STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (SAFER) GRANT PROGRAM THROUGH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) Summary This is a resolution regarding the SAFER Grant Program, administered by FEMA which provides funding to help fire departments increase or maintain frontline firefighting staffing levels and improve community emergency response capabilities. The City seeks to apply for SAFER funding to support the recruitment, hiring, retention, or staffing needs identified within the fire department.
Staff Recommendation Background:
At the direction of the City Commission, at the June 8, 2026 workshop, the City submitted an application under the FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program seeking funding to hire additional firefighter positions. The application was submitted with the understanding that, if awarded, the additional personnel would require the acquisition of a third rescue truck to ensure effective deployment and maintain operational readiness.
Approval of the SAFER grant application supports the City's public safety objectives by enhancing emergency response capabilities, maintaining adequate staffing levels, and improving service delivery to residents and visitors.
Current Challenge
The Fire Department currently operates two rescue trucks. As the City's population and development continue to grow, emergency call volume has increased significantly. The Department is experiencing more frequent simultaneous incidents, which can create coverage gaps and increase response times. In addition, routine equipment wear and periodic maintenance requirements can reduce apparatus availability, affecting overall operational readiness.
Need for a Third Rescue Truck
Acquisition of a third rescue truck would provide the necessary apparatus capacity to effectively utilize any SAFER-funded personnel and support the Department's growing service demands. Benefits include:
- Ensuring proper deployment of additional firefighter staffing if SAFER funding is awarded.
- Improving emergency response coverage throughout the City.
- Providing operational redundancy during peak call periods and scheduled maintenance.
- Supporting service demands associated with future growth and development.
- Helping maintain or improve the City's Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating.
Staff recommends that the City Commission ratify the submission of the FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program application, which was submitted on June 22, 2026, and acknowledge the potential operational and capital requirements associated with implementation of the grant if awarded. Funding Source:
the FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant
General Fund
Fiscal Impact:
- SAFER grant requires local match: 25% of eligible personnel costs in Years 1–2, increasing to 65% in Year 3
- Federal funding only covers firefighter salaries and benefits for approved positions
- City must fund all matching costs and any expenses beyond grant limits
- Added staffing may require a third rescue truck (~$650,000 estimated cost)
- Rescue truck lead time: 12–18 months
- Potential funding sources: CIP, FEMA AFG grants, or other financing/grants (not guaranteed)
Sponsor Name/Department: Venice Howard, Acting City Manager; Chief Charles Hackett, BSO; Heidi Brocks, Budget Officer Meeting Date: 6/23/2026 | | |