Frederick County has been awarded a $5,581,396 grant to pay for 22 additional career firefighter positions, which will reduce response times and enhance firefighter and public safety throughout the county. The grant is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. When the new positions are filled, the Division of Fire & Rescue Service will have 495 operational career firefighters.
“The SAFER grant is absolutely fantastic news for Frederick County,” said County Executive Jan Gardner. “This grant will allow us to fully staff the new Northgate Fire Station in the City of Frederick and expand day-time only staffing to 24/7 coverage in Thurmont. It’s all about taking care of people and making sure we can respond quickly and effectively to calls for assistance.