FEMA is now accepting applications for two FY2024 grant programs aimed at improving firefighter recruitment and safety through July 3, 2025. Townships are encouraged to share the following information with their local fire chiefs: 

• Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) to help increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters in communities. Fire departments and volunteer firefighter relief organizations are eligible to apply toward: recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters involved with or trained in the operations of firefighting and emergency response; and hiring new firefighters or changing the status of part-time firefighters to full-time. 
• Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) to strengthen community fire prevention programs and improve firefighter safety. Fire departments may apply for funding toward: community risk reduction (smoke alarms, sprinkler awareness, public education, risk assessments); wildfire risk reduction; code enforcement; fire and arson investigation; and  national/state/regional programs and projects. 

For more information, call 866-274-0960 or email firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.