The Oakland Fire Department (OFD) has been notified that its application for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Port Security Grant was successful, and the department will be awarded $825,000 to support the purchase of a long-awaited Emergency Response Vessel that will reside in the Oakland estuary adjacent to Station 2 in Jack London Square. This new fireboat will be used in conjunction with the department’s existing water rescue boat, Marine 1, and will be designed and equipped to meet the modern day challenges associated with protecting the estuary and waterfront. The previous OFD fireboat (pictured) was decommissioned in 2003.
“We’re cognizant of the budgetary limitations that exist in Oakland and how that has impeded this department’s ability to repair and replace outdated infrastructure and apparatus in a timely manner,” said Chief Reginald Freeman. “I am thrilled that these grant funds will enable us to respond to incidents at the Port of Oakland more effectively, while also making sure we’re equipped to continue protecting life and property along Oakland’s vibrant waterfront.”
The FEMA Port Security Grant Program provides $100 million for transportation infrastructure security activities to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and state and local government agencies required to provide port security services.
“External funds like these play a critical role in augmenting our operational capacity, and I applaud and appreciate everyone who had a hand in making this grant application successful. While the application process may be challenging and competitive, the outcome has made our department stronger and the city more resilient,” said Chief Freeman.
More details will be provided at a later date as the department learns more about the timeline for when it can expect to have the new apparatus in the water.
For additional details on this grant program and other awardees, please view the following link: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_ib-464-fy-2021-award-announcement_71321.pdf
