HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 03 Approval to Submit an Application for the Florida Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Grant
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: October 7, 2025
Item #: 3
Contact Name: Charles Van Camp Department Director: Thomas Smothers
Contact Number: Ext. 2006 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Approval to Submit an Application for the Florida Department of Health Emergency
Medical Services Grant for the Purchase of Active Shooter Equipment. (Deputy Fire Chief Van
Camp)
Background Summary: The Florida Department of Health administers the Emergency Medical Services
Grant Program to assist local agencies in improving emergency medical services through the purchase of
equipment, vehicles, and training resources. The Ocoee Fire Department intends to apply for funding through
this program to replace expiring active shooter personal protective equipment (PPE). The application period to
apply closes on November 30, 2025.
The Ocoee Fire Department’s ballistic vests and helmets are approaching the end of their 10-year service life
and must be removed from operational use upon expiration. Replacing this equipment is necessary to
maintain responder safety and operational readiness for potentially violent situations (PVS), active shooter
incidents, and other hostile events where crews may operate in the “warm zone.”
The proposed replacement utilizes flexible rifle armor (FRAS®) and full-cut ballistic helmets that provide rifle-
rated protection while reducing weight and increasing comfort and mobility. This modern configuration also
integrates with communications, masks, and goggles, improving performance during joint operations.
Project Summary
• Scope: Outfit frontline personnel and units with ballistic vests (flexible rifle armor) and helmets.
• Operational Benefits:
o Greater flexibility and mobility (improved ergonomics for extended wear).
o Less weight with equal or greater ballistic protection.
o Increased protection against all handgun and common rifle rounds and other threats.
o Enhanced integration with PPE for multi-agency interoperability.
The total project cost is $52,896.00. Under the program requirements, the City is responsible for a 25%
matching contribution. This results in the following cost distribution:
• Grant Award (75%): $39,652
• City Match (25%): $13,244
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve the submission of the EMS Matching Grant
application to the Florida Department of Health?
Recommendations:
Staff recommends that the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners approve the submission of the EMS
Matching Grant application to the Florida Department of Health, and authorize the Mayor, City Manager, or
designee to execute all required documents.
Attachments:
None
Financial Impacts:
The City’s match of $13,244 will be funded from the Fire Department’s FY25/26 budget under GL 001-522-00-
5204.
Type of Item: Consent