Mo. dept. receives $658,000 SAFER Grant

US State News

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Columbia Fire Department has been approved for a $658,120.00 grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER). Pending council approval the money will be used to pay for salaries and benefits of five new fire fighters for two years beginning March 3, 2013.

The federally funded program was created to improve or restore local fire departments' staffing and deployment capabilities so they may more effectively respond to emergencies. Fire Chief Chuck Witt stated 'This grant announcement is great news for public safety in Columbia. The additional fire fighters will provide much needed manpower and improve overall efficiency during emergency operations.'

Due to budget shortfalls one of two crews assigned to fire station two was transferred to fire station nine when it opened in February 2010. Since that time the second truck at station two has been open sporadically. 'These additional personnel will allow us to open Engine Two on a more consistent basis' Witt stated.

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