The City of Medford and the Medford Fire Department are celebrating a significant boost to their emergency response capabilities with the announcement of a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this grant is set to fortify the city’s commitment to community safety.
The SAFER grant will allow the Medford Fire Department to expand its personnel by hiring six additional firefighters. This ensures that all fire companies within Medford will be staffed with four-person crews, enabling a more robust and efficient response to fires, emergencies, and other incidents.
Moreover, this grant will expedite the implementation of the Council-approved Fire Strategic Plan. This comprehensive roadmap aims to elevate fire services and enhance community safety, aligning with Medford’s ever-evolving needs.
Medford Mayor, Randy Sparacino, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support, stating, “This funding is a testament to our commitment to public safety in Medford. We are extremely thankful for the federal government’s support in strengthening our fire department and ensuring our community remains well-protected. The additional personnel will make a substantial difference in our ability to respond to emergencies promptly.”
Fire Chief Eric Thompson added, “We are excited about the opportunities this grant provides us to enhance our services and better meet the needs of our growing community. It’s a significant step towards achieving our goals outlined in the Fire Strategic Plan as we continue to urbanize and modernize our deployment model, fleet, tactics, and training efforts.”
The City of Medford and the Medford Fire Department extended their appreciation to FEMA, Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden, and Representative Cliff Bentz for their support of this critical investment in the safety and well-being of Medford’s residents.
The SAFER grant program, created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations, plays a pivotal role in bolstering the number of trained “front line” firefighters available in communities across the nation. This grant exemplifies a shared commitment to ensuring that Medford remains a safe and secure place for all its residents.
For further information about the SAFER grant program, please visit FEMA’s website.
Source: MFD
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