BARNSTABLE – From Barnstable Fire: The Barnstable Fire Department is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $1,386,845.10 Fiscal Year 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The three-year grant will provide partial federal funding for the salary and benefits associated with the addition of six career firefighter positions to the Barnstable Fire Department.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for the Barnstable Fire Department and the community we serve,” said Fire Chief Christopher A. Beal. “Our calls for service have increased significantly in recent years, and the demands placed on our personnel continue to grow. The addition of six firefighters will strengthen our daily staffing, improve our ability to respond to simultaneous emergencies, and enhance the overall operational readiness and resiliency of the Barnstable Fire Department.”
The SAFER program is designed to provide funding directly to fire departments to help increase or maintain the number of trained, frontline firefighters available in their communities.
The grant award is subject to the required local acceptance and funding process. The Barnstable Fire District will need to formally accept the award and authorize the additional firefighter positions and necessary District funding. This process is expected to include consideration by the Barnstable Fire District Prudential Committee and approval by District voters at a Special District Meeting.
The Department also extends its sincere appreciation to U.S. Congressman Bill Keating, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator Edward Markey, and their respective staffs for their continued support of the Barnstable Fire Department and the fire service. Their advocacy for federal public safety programs such as SAFER helps ensure that local fire departments have access to critical resources needed to protect their communities.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our federal delegation and everyone who assisted with this application,” Chief Beal added. “This award represents a significant investment in the future of the Barnstable Fire Department, the safety of our firefighters, and our ability to provide the highest level of service possible to the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Barnstable Fire District.”
Additional information regarding the SAFER award, the proposed staffing plan, and the Special District Meeting process will be provided as the Barnstable Fire District moves forward with consideration of the grant.
About the Barnstable Fire Department
The Barnstable Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, fire prevention, and other emergency services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Barnstable Fire District. Established in 1935, the Department remains committed to providing professional, responsive, and effective emergency services to our residents and visitors while meeting the evolving public safety needs of the community.
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