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

CMS announces grant awards to improve the continuity of care for justice-involved individuals
On September 27, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced $106.5 million in state planning grants aimed at improving healthcare continuity for individuals transitioning from incarceration.

FCC opens comment period on modernizing the nation's alerting systems
On August 11, the FCC issued a request for public comment on the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts, to determine if alternative regulatory approaches would better maximize the usefulness, effectiveness and resiliency of the public safety systems.

DOJ releases updated list of designated sanctuary jurisdictions
On August 5, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published an updated list of designated “sanctuary jurisdictions” following the Administration’s Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order.