SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Fire Department will use a federal grant of nearly $7.6 million to hire up to 20 new firefighters.
The FEMA grant is the largest the department has ever been awarded, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) said in their Thursday announcement.
The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
“FEMA’s SAFER Grant will aid the Syracuse Fire Department in providing more efficient services to meet the needs of a city growing in population and new housing, increasing safety in our neighborhoods,” Syracuse Chief of Fire Michael Monds said in the Schumer announcement. “This grant will also better support those firefighters who serve our city bravely, protecting our community and those who live in it. I thank Senator Schumer for his continued attention to the needs of our department and city.”
Specifically, this award will provide $7.59 million to hire 20 new firefighters. The funds will cover 100 percent of the salary and benefits of the newly hired firefighters for three years.
“The Syracuse Fire Department has earned a reputation as one of the best fire departments in the nation. The SAFER and FEMA AFG Grants will help ensure our city has the appropriate staffing and training to meet the demands of a growing city,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in the Schumer announcement. “I thank Senator Schumer for his commitment to public safety and emergency services response for the people of the city of Syracuse.”