Racine Fire Department awarded $2.7M to hire 9 new firefighters

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The city of Racine has been awarded $2,743,227 to hire additional firefighters.

The money was awarded from FEMA through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER). SAFER grants were created to increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters available in communities in an effort to reduce response times.

The city says only three Wisconsin communities were awarded the funding. 

“As mayor, the health and wellbeing of our residents is the top priority," said Racine Mayor Cory Mason. "Levy limit restrictions put in place by the state have severely restricted the city’s ability to fund additional emergency service personnel. I am thankful to have partners in the federal government who know the importance of enhancing our ability to provide improved emergency services.” 

“The Racine Fire Department is grateful to be the recipient of an AFG SAFER Grant award. The SAFER Grant will restore nine positions that were eliminated in the 2021 budget. This return of lost staffing will provide much-needed support as our department continues to see a steady increase in call volume each year," said a Racine Fire Department spokesperson.

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