The SAFER Grant Program assists fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities for emergency responses; application window is open until March 12, 2021
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced that the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program opened for Arizona fire departments to increase the number of trained firefighters in Arizona communities. Sinema and Kelly encourage fire departments and volunteer organizations across the state to apply.
“Arizona firefighters risk their lives to keep our communities safe and secure. SAFER grants help our fire departments recruit, hire, and retain firefighters to protect Arizonans. We encourage all eligible Arizona fire departments to apply,” said Sinema.
“Our first responders are critical to our state, especially during this pandemic. The SAFER grant program provides Arizona fire departments with funding that will help them continue to keep Arizona families and communities safe.” said Kelly.
The SAFER Grant is open to Career and Combination Fire Departments, federally recognized Indian tribe or tribal organizations, and Statewide, local, or nonprofit interest organizations representing the interests of volunteer fighters. The grant enables fire departments to recruit and retain volunteer and career firefighters so fire departments can attain and maintain 24-hour fire department staffing.
Eligible fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations are encouraged to apply for these funds by March 12, 2021 by 3:00 p.m. Arizona time. Information on the SAFER Grant can be found by going to Grants.gov and FEMA’s website.
Sinema has long advocated for Arizona firefighters and first responders. At the beginning of the pandemic, Sinema secured 7,500 masks and 7,500 acrylic shields for the Professional Firefighters of Arizona through the IRONMAN Foundation’s Operation IRONAID Face Masks to ensure Arizona firefighters could protect families safely during the coronavirus pandemic.