The deadline for submitting Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant applications is April 27 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT). IAFF staff are available to review your department’s SAFER application through Monday April 23. For more information, contact Ron Benedict at (202) 824-1575 or firegrants@iaff.org.
Additionally, the bill restores the waiver allowing fire departments to use SAFER grants to retain fire fighters. The IAFF worked with Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) to restore this important provision.
SAFER grants provide funding directly to fire departments to increase or maintain the appropriate number of trained, frontline fire fighters needed to safely and effectively protect their communities.
Key Points:
- Grant funds can only be used to hire at the entry-level fire fighter base pay rate.
- Cost Share – local jurisdictions are required to provide 25 percent of funding in years one and two, and 65 percent in year three.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website provides helpful documents, including a SAFER application checklist and a self-evaluation guide. In addition, a hard copy of the SAFER application, sample narratives and other assistance tools are available online from the IAFF (login required).