Programs for funding firefighters at the federal level are also on the upswing, as many cities around the country are securing substantial funds under the SAFER program to address staffing challenges. It has become apparent with recent awards that there is more support at the federal level to enhance fire departments around the country using personnel resources.
SAFER grant awards ensure immediate staffing assistance
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program continues to provide important grant funding to support adding fire personnel to reach national standards for staffing. The Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department has been awarded grant money to add four new full-time fire personnel. This will start in March 2026, with 75% coverage for years one and two, then 35% in year three.
Awards to other cities include that to High Point, North Carolina, where they received $3.3 million over three years to support hiring 24 additional firefighters, beginning in March 2026. The fire chief in High Point was quoted as very encouraged about hiring for all positions within the first year, even though it would take about twelve months to fully qualify.
“This grant is a significant milestone for our department,” Fire Chief James McNeilly said. “This grant will improve our ability to respond to multiple emergencies and put Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire where it needs to be – now and into the future.”
Increased crew strength enhances firefighter safety standards
This federal money will allow departments to change their minimum fire crew size from three to four personnel, making it compliant with national standards for firefighter safety. This also enhances their ability to execute effectively the very important “two in, two out” tactic, where firefighters can safely work inside burning structures to rescue personnel trapped in those buildings, but still possess the ability to rescue personnel on their own crew.
Manchester will see one officer and four firefighters per shift, including ensuring a minimum of four-person staffing at all times. The expansion of services in High Point also hopes to provide at least four firefighters for each respective field unit, but vacations, sickness, and training can sometimes reduce their numbers to only three, explained Chief Evans. This added number constitutes a significant milestone in achieving safe operating standards.
National recruitment challenges persist despite funding availability
Fire departments across the country continue to struggle with recruitment and retention, as many fire departments are consistently posting job listings. It can be challenging for fire departments to attract top candidates due to the number of other fire departments attempting to recruit the same candidates. Collaboration with local fire academies, like Guilford Technical Community College, can provide opportunities for fire departments to recruit new candidates for firefighter positions.
Long-term sustainability requires strategic planning approaches
Although grant money is very important for start-up costs, fire departments must look to long-term sustainability. As High Point will integrate the additional 24 personnel into its yearly budget after grant money expires in 2028, it will also require about $2.07 million in local assistance over three years. Other additional equipment costs, including turn-out gear, add about $306,000 to program costs.
The grant structure for Manchester consists of three years, making it easier to transition to local grant support. As federal funds dwindle, it becomes easier to manage long-term budgets. This strategy allows various departments to prove their worth and gain support from the community to continue to fund additional firefighter resources.
Federal SAFER grants are an essential outlay for the American fire services community, helping to remedy personnel shortages that jeopardize public security on a nationwide scale. The large number of financial obligations signifies that the government understands the irreplaceable role fire departments play within emergency response capacities. Fire services, in turn, are helping to create long-term staffing improvements as part of grant execution.
