Port of Pensacola receives FEMA grant for Maritime Fire Training Simulator

(Pensacola, FL) -- The City of Pensacola received official notice from FEMA this week that the Port of Pensacola has been awarded one of three grants this fiscal year through the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) for a Maritime Fire Training Simulator.
The fire training simulator will be used for port response, incident control and hazard mitigation training by firefighters, law enforcement officers, hazardous materials teams, port response staff and incident command staff.

The PSGP supports communities in their efforts to build and sustain core capabilities across Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response and Recovery mission areas with a specific focus on addressing the security needs of our Nation’s maritime ports.

The simulator building will contain fire props and access challenges similar to those that would be encountered on a marine vessel. “This simulator will add training capabilities that will make the fire department better able to respond to future emergencies at the port,” said Amy Miller Director of the Port of Pensacola.

The $315,375 grant, requires a local match from the Pensacola Fire Department of $105,125 bringing the value of the project to $420,500. According to Pensacola Fire Chief David Allen, some of the matching funds for the simulator project will be derived from Local Option Sales Tax funding.

PSGP funds are available to ports, port facility and terminal operators and local government agencies within a regional Maritime Security Area served by a designated seaport facility. The Pensacola Fire Department qualifies under the auspices of the Port of Pensacola. “The port is pleased to be able to assist other agencies in the City by accessing these federal grant funds for improvements to safety and security throughout the region,” added Miller.

Other projects the City of Pensacola has received funding through PSGP funds total over $5.6 million and include:

The City’s VOIP system
Pensacola Fire Department’s fire boat
Chemical fire response gear (breathing apparatus, monitors, etc.)
Numerous training exercises and technology upgrades throughout the City

###

Port of Pensacola, photography with Drones LLC