FEMA approved a $1.7 million grant for Albemarle County to help the county’s fire and rescue department hire, train, and deploy seven full-time firefighters.
The new firefighters will be deployed to ensure 24/7 coverage at the North Garden station and the surrounding communities in Albemarle County.
“This grant enables Albemarle County to make significant progress in our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” said Jim Andrews, chair of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. “We are deeply appreciative of FEMA’s support and the hard work of our County staff in securing this competitive award, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality services.”
The grant, from FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, provides funding directly to fire departments to help increase or maintain the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities.
The goal of SAFER is to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Prevention Association.
To fill these newly added positions, ACFR has been actively recruiting throughout the summer. Starting in January, the new hires will attend a six-month recruit academy to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for the role. Their training will cover emergency medical technician skills, firefighter survival, car seat installation, emergency vehicle operation, and a range of other essential competencies for success.
“I want to express my gratitude to our staff for their dedication and hard work, which were instrumental in securing this important funding,” said ACFR Fire Chief Dan Eggleston. “With the continued support of the Board of Supervisors and county leadership, our department remains committed to proactively enhancing our ability to deliver professional and consistent services to the residents of Albemarle County.”
Share
Chris Graham
