Kanjorski Announces SAFER Grant Application Process Open

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) announced the application process begins today for a new grant program called Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The deadline for applications is June 28.

"I am pleased that Congress passed the legislation that will fund the SAFER program. I was a strong supporter of the bill, which provides crucial funding for hiring firefighters as well as retaining them. These grants will be available to professional, volunteer and combination fire departments through a competitive process. I urge all of the fire departments in my congressional district to apply and pledge that I will support these companies in the grant process," Congressman Kanjorski said.

The goal of the SAFER grant program is to enhance the ability of fire departments to maintain a 24-hour, seven-day a week staffing level to ensure that communities have the necessary protection from fire and fire-related hazards. The Hiring of Firefighters Activity grant is a five-year program that assists with the salaries of newly hired firefighters. The Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters Activity grant provides assistance to fire companies for up to four years for the purpose of recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters. 

Fire departments can electronically submit their completed application through the USFA Web site, http://www.firegrantsupport.com/. The Web site has a tutorial explaining each program and offering help with the application process. Fire departments that do not have access to the Internet can call 1-866-274-0960 to request a paper copy of the application.

Fire departments that have questions about the grants can call the USFA Help Desk at 1-866-274-0960 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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