FEMA announced on Friday it awarded the fire department $19,182 for the purchase of five hazmat censors. They’ll be located in various vehicles across the city and allow the department to monitor hazardous environments.  

The department has three but this grant will allow for the purchase of five upgraded devices.

“We’ll be able to have a duplicate meter on scene to ensure that the readings we get are accurate,” Gomes said. “When you’re able to have two meters side by side, you ensure you get accurate readings. When you only have a single meter, there’s always the possibility of having a failure.”

The meters will measure oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and flammable liquids. Some will also offer detection of hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. On top of that, the devices will have a photo ionization detector that is able to see volatile organic compounds, which often have boiling points at room temperature and can evaporate into the air.

Mayor Faulconer will be joined by City Councilmember Chris Ward, Assemblymember Todd Gloria, new Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell and community leaders to officially open the new, modernized facility that replaces an aging station first built in 1951. Since Mayor Faulconer took office, the City has opened new fire stations in five neighborhoods - City Heights, Little Italy, Mission Valley, Point Loma and Hillcrest - and renovated four others that serve the communities of La Jolla, Mira Mesa, North Park and Southcrest.

Assistant Fire Chief Josh Kemp said he “jumped at the chance” to take Cooper to school, who was also accompanied by firefighter Ty Wallace for the ride.  

Kemp said Christopher would’ve been “extremely proud” of the moment, and Cooper’s mom was happy to see Christopher’s dream come true.