The City of Worcester will use approximately $15 million in newly granted funds for the expansion of the Worcester Fire Department.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded Worcester with a Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant in the amount of $14.1 million, which will be used for the salaries of 60 new firefighters over the next three years.
FEMA also awarded an Assistance for Firefighters Grant of $806,000 to increase the inventory of self-contained breathing apparatuses, personal radios, and turnout gear for new recruits.
"This funding from FEMA will assist our department in accomplishing its mission to protect the lives and property of the community by increasing daily staffing for a safer and more effective fire and emergency response," said Acting Fire Chief Martin Dyer.