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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Fire Division Chief Brandon Matson
DATE: 9/3/2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the city to accept a grant award of $4,033.65 from TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response) for hazardous material equipment.
PURPOSE:
The Aurora Fire Department has been awarded a grant for hazardous materials equipment by TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response). This funding is intended to replace outdated and improvised grounding and bonding equipment with modern, NFPA-compliant systems. Proper grounding and bonding are essential for preventing static discharge during hazardous materials operations, especially when flammable liquids are involved.
BACKGROUND:
The TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response) Hazmat Team Response Fund, established in 2020, supports hazardous materials response teams across the United States by providing funding for essential equipment and advanced training. The Fund provides annual awards to hazmat teams across the United States who are seeking to purchase specific hazmat equipment or attend advanced training. This initiative helps ensure that hazmat responders are equipped to manage hazardous materials transportation incidents, protecting both themselves and the communities they serve safely and effectively.
Current equipment lacks standardization and does not meet today's safety benchmarks. This will enhance our ability to safely and effectively respond to hazardous materials incidents. The amount of the award will cover the cost of a Static Ground and Bond Test System Kit
from Safeware, Inc.
DISCUSSION:
This grant will benefit the citizens of Aurora as well as the region. It will support the preparedness and safety of Aurora's hazmat team that serves a large area of Illinois. By replacing outdated equipment, the City of Aurora and MABAS Division 13 can continue to meet the high standards expected of them, while improving the pro...
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