HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 Approval to Accept Florida Department of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Matching Grant Award for Active Shooter Protective Equipment
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 7, 2026
Item #: 7
Contact Name: Charles Van Camp Department Director: Thomas Smothers
Contact Number: Ext. 2006 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Approval to Accept Florida Department of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Matching Grant Award for Active Shooter Protective Equipment. (Deputy Fire Chief Van
Camp)
Background Summary: The Florida Department of Health (DOH), Division of Emergency Preparedness
and Community Support, administers the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Matching Grant Program to
assist local agencies in enhancing emergency medical response capabilities through funding for equipment,
vehicles, and training.
The Ocoee Fire Department previously received approval from the City Commission on October 7, 2025, to
apply for this grant to replace expiring active shooter protective equipment. The Department has now been
formally awarded EMS Matching Grant ID M2662 in the amount of $8,208.00.
This funding will support the purchase of:
• Six (6) ballistic vests and helmets
These items are critical as the Department’s current ballistic personal protective equipment (PPE) is
approaching the end of its 10-year service life and must be removed from service upon expiration.
Replacement ensures continued responder safety and operational readiness for potentially violent situations
(PVS), active shooter incidents, and other hostile environments where personnel may be required to operate
in the “warm zone.”
The upgraded equipment will provide:
• Rifle-rated ballistic protection
• Reduced weight and improved mobility
• Enhanced integration with communications and other PPE
• Improved interoperability during multi-agency responses
The total approved project cost is $10,944.00, with the following cost distribution:
• Grant Award (75%): $8,208.00
Page 61 of 812
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
• City Match (25%): $2,736.00
Per grant requirements, the City must execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Florida
Department of Health prior to the release of funds and comply with quarterly reporting requirements on
expenditures and project progress.
Issue:
Should the Mayor and City Commission approve the acceptance of the Florida Department of Health EMS
Matching Grant award, authorize execution of the required agreement and associated documents, and
authorize purchasing of the equipment?
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Commission approve the acceptance of the Florida Department of
Health EMS Matching Grant award, authorize execution of the required agreement and associated
documents, and authorize purchasing of the equipment.
Attachments:
1. Award Letter
Financial Impacts:
The required City match of $2,736.00 will be funded through the Fire Department’s FY 2025–2026 budget
(Account 001-522-00-5204 Protective Clothing). The grant will provide $8,208.00 in external funding, reducing
the financial burden on the City for necessary safety equipment upgrades.
Type of Item: Consent
Page 62 of 812
Mission:
To protect, promote and improve the health
of all people in Florida through integrated
state, county and community efforts.
Ron DeSantis
Governor
Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD
State Surgeon General
Vision: To be the Healthiest State in the Nation
Florida Department of Health
Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A-22 • Tallahassee, FL 32399
PHONE: 850/245-4864 • FAX: 850/921-8162
FloridaHealth.gov
Accredited Health Department
Public Health Accreditation Board
Via Email cvancamp@ocoee.org
March 9, 2026
Mr. Charles Van Camp, Deputy Fire Chief
Ocoee Fire Department
563 S. Bluford Ave
Ocoee, FL 34761
Dear Chief Van Camp,
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support is
pleased to award the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Matching Grant, ID M2662 in the amount of
$8,208.00 to Ocoee Fire Department. This award is subject to appropriation and availability of funds.
Section 401.113(2)(b), Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides authority to dispense funds to entities annually
from the EMS Trust Fund; no federal funding was utilized for this grant.
Grant funds are approved for the purchase and/or implementation of the following project components:
• (6) Ballistic Vests and Helmets
The approved funding for this project is as follows:
• Award Amount: $8,208.00
• Required Match Amount (Urban 25%): $2,736.00
• Total Project Amount: $10,944.00
Pursuant to section 401.113(2)(b), F.S., and in compliance with the Florida Catalog of State Financial
Assistance, program number 64.003, agencies are required to report grant activities and purchases to
the Department. Grant reports are due to the Department within 30 days of the end of each fiscal
quarter. You will receive the MOA for your review and signature at a later date. Funds will not be
released until after the MOA is executed in full. A copy of the executed MOA, with my signature, will be
provided for your records.
Thank you for your participation in the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical
Oversight’s EMS Matching Grant program. If you need assistance, please contact our staff at
EMSGrants@FLHealth.gov.
Sincerely,
Steve McCoy
Division Director
Emergency Preparedness and Community Support
SM/cg
Page 63 of 812