The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is pleased to announce the acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The grant, totaling $220,521.73, will significantly enhance the district’s peer support and crisis intervention program and facilitate the advancement of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to the level of Paramedic. This funding initiative, bolstered by a local matching amount from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, culminates in a total investment of $253,600 dedicated to comprehensive training and associated costs.
This grant underscores our commitment to not only improving the skill set of our emergency response teams but also strengthening the support systems available to our staff and the community we serve. Through this funding, our Crisis Accountability Response Education (CARE) Team will receive expanded training in critical incident stress management and crisis intervention, in addition to broadening our chaplain program. These enhancements will increase the peer support and crisis intervention services available to both staff and community members, reflecting our dedication to fostering a resilient and well-prepared response network.
The grant will enable the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to efficiently manage and implement these important programs. It will facilitate a more rapid execution of training programs, ensuring that our emergency personnel are better equipped to meet the needs of San Bernardino County residents. This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our community, providing not only enhanced emergency medical services but also reinforcing the support infrastructure for our first responders and those they serve.