Jacobs urges fire departments to seek federal grants for staffing

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

CLARENCE – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing the FY 2021 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program will be opening for fire departments on January 3rd.

“Our brave firefighters and first responders continually risk their lives to protect our communities and keep us safe. Without them, countless Americans around the country would lose their lives,” Jacobs said. “The SAFER programs funds hiring and retention activities so fire departments can reach adequate staffing levels, give more balanced schedules to those already serving, and ensure communities are given the best possible protection 24 hours a day.”

The SAFER program application period will run from Jan. 3 at 8 a.m. to Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. As stated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): The two functions supported by these grants are the hiring activity and recruitment and retention activity.

Ten percent of the funding is set aside for awards to all volunteer or majority volunteer fire departments under the hiring activity category. Under the FY 2021 SAFER Program, the hiring activity will offer grants to support the hiring of new, additional firefighters (or to change the status of part-time or paid-on-call firefighters to full-time firefighters), as well as to rehire laid-off firefighters or retain firefighters facing layoff.

A fact sheet provided by FEMA can be found by clicking here. Those interested in applying should visit the application page provided by FEMA, which can be found by clicking here.

Any department or staff member who has further questions about applying can reach out to Rep. Jacobs’ Clarence District Office at 716-634-2324.