Fire and emergency responders grant now open for counties
Author
Brett Mattson
Naomi Freel
Upcoming Events
Related News
Key Takeaways
On March 11, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the opening of the Fiscal Year 2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. With $360 million available, this funding opportunity will assist local fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations in increasing or maintaining the number of trained firefighters protecting counties across the nation.
What does the SAFER Grant Program do?
- The program offers $360 million in grants directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations in counties across the U.S.
- SAFER grants aim to increase or maintain trained firefighters to meet industry standards, attain 24-hour staffing and enhance fire protection capabilities, ensuring communities are adequately safeguarded.
- Since 2005, SAFER has awarded approximately $5.2 billion, supporting skilled firefighting workforce training, enhancing local capacity and saving county residents' lives by supporting adequate staffing.
Application deadline
The SAFER funding opportunity is available at Grants.gov. The application period closes on April 12, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET. Eligible applicants must apply via FEMA GO.
County News
Counties reach out to diverse recruits to shore up firefighting teams
Counties across the country, including Wake County, N.C., Kershaw County, S.C. and Mariposa County, Calif., are getting more intentional about firefighter shortages by diversifying their fire services.
Related News
Six years of the SUPPORT Act: Ongoing behavioral health policy priorities for counties
On October 24, 2018, the bipartisan SUPPORT Act was enacted. It represented the largest Congressional investment in overdose prevention at the time, aiming to strengthen the nation's response to the substance use crisis.
Report released on 1115 waiver implementation in California
In January 2023, California became the first state to receive federal approval for a Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration waiver to partially amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy.
Utah Association of Counties takes on health benefits for EMTs
A program championed and managed by the state association will help rural counties attract and retain crucial volunteers for emergency responders.