The Charlottesville Fire Department received a grant for almost $3.5 million through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants, also known as the SAFER Act.
According to Interim Fire Chief Emily Pelliccia, CFD will be looking to increase their staffing with the money award to them.
"What we asked for was essentially 15 people which will have a huge impact on this organization," said Pelliccia. "It will allow us to have five more people per shift."
Over the years, the fire department has shouldered more responsibilities, but they have not received more staff members to shoulder the responsibility.
"In the last couple of years, we've been providing a daylight ambulance and some medical resources, specific transport ability and this will allow us to staff those using full-time personnel instead of overtime," said Pelliccia.