Since September 2019, Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) has been awarded $2,355,612 in federal funding in areas ranging from firefighter wellness to community risk reduction to emergency response training. In a time when the effects of the pandemic on local economies continue to be felt, the success of PF&R’s grant-writing team in securing important funds to support the bureau’s mission to protect our region is all that more important.

 “As an emergency response organization, we do not have the option to fail. At a time when General Fund dollars and budgets are constrained, we are always looking at other ways to finance critical programs. In order to respond to emergencies large and small, our effectiveness depends on our PPE, our equipment, our training, and our preparation. Our long-range planning fuels our successful grant program,” says Fire Chief Sara Boone. “I want to especially thank Trisha Schultz and Michael Wong, our grant writing team that collaborated with other PF&R personnel to identify and apply for grants that work toward supporting our highest mission of protecting life, property and the environment.”

The winning grants, funded on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are listed below:

2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG):

• $1,167,544 in funding to install Source Capture Exhaust Systems in PF&R’s 31 stations. Source Capture Exhaust Systems remove diesel exhaust from stations to reduce carcinogenic exposures to firefighters.

• $290,530 for technical rescue training. Rescue trainings will include rope, confined space, trench, and machinery extrication for the technical rescue teams at Stations 1 and 12.

 2019 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grant

• $238,095 to conduct a community risk assessment and staffing study. PF&R will be contracting with a consultant over the next year to complete this study.

 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - COVID-19 Supplemental (AFG-S)

• $659,443 for the purchase of PPE and related supplies (including reimbursements) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.

Total grant dollars: $2,355,612