WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Stark County fire department was awarded new federal resources to hire firefighters. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced today that the City of Massillon Fire Department has been awarded resources for staffing by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) SAFER grant program.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line each day to keep our communities safe. These new federal resources will help ensure that Massillon has the skilled responders needed,” Brown said. “With so many communities already facing budget shortfalls, critical federal efforts like SAFER are pivotal in keeping our Ohio cities, towns, and villages safe.”

The City of Massillon Fire Department was awarded $1,697,180 to hire firefighters.

In June 2012, Brown wrote a letter to FEMA urging consideration of the City of Massillon’s request. A copy of the letter can be found here.

The SAFER grant program supports the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. SAFER grants are awarded directly to volunteer, combination, and career fire departments to help the departments increase the number of frontline firefighters. More information can be found. Interested fire departments can contact Brown’s Grant Coordinator to receive information about federal grant opportunities by clicking here.

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