Last month, DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department used federal grant funds to hire 47 new recruits.
The $4.9 million in federal money came from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant in 2017.
According to a press release from the county, “The recruits started preliminary classes and will join the next scheduled fire academy in April.”
The county will also use money from a one-cent sales tax approved by voters to pay for new fire stations and firefighting vehicles.
“The new recruits will complete 10 months of rigorous training to include fire operations, fire suppression, hazardous materials, emergency and medical services,” the press release says.