Letter to Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency - West Palm Beech Fire Rescue Department applies for an Assistance to Firefighters

Letter

The Honorable Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20410

Re: AFG Grant for West Palm Beach Fire Rescue

Dear Administrator Fugate:

We write in strong support of the City of West Palm Beach Fire Rescue Department's (WPBFR) application for an Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant. Funding through the AFG program will allow WPBFR to pay for critical equipment and training needed to improve emergency service delivery to local residents and enhance firefighter safety.

WPBFR operates nine separate facilities that serve the citizens of the South Florida region. As the fire rescue service for Palm Beach County's county seat, WPBFR is also responsible for protecting critical infrastructure housing local, state, and federal government entities. Further, as a major tourist destination, West Palm Beach annually hosts numerous large gatherings and festivals, requiring significant emergency personnel presence. One event in particular, SUNFEST, draws more than 300,000 people over a five-day period. Given such demands, WPBFR must maintain a constant state of readiness.

A grant through the AFG program will help replace WPBFR's self-controlled breathing apparatus (SCBA) and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) equipment. This critical equipment is used by fire rescue personnel at every fire and whenever the atmosphere is suspected to be contaminated, be it due to a disease, chemical spill, or environmental catastrophe. WPBFR's equipment does not meet current NFPA standards, causing increased maintenance costs and decreased safety. AFG funding will also help fund other safety equipment purchases and both fire-ground survival and special operations training, all of which will help improve safety and service delivery.

As the Federal Emergency Management Agency considers funding under the AFG grant program, we would sincerely appreciate your full and fair consideration of West Palm Beach Fire Rescue's application. Consistent with the ethics requirements of the U.S. House of Representatives, we are fully committed to WPBFR's proposal and strongly support its efforts. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can answer any questions or provide additional information that may help you in the decision-making process.