SAFER Grant Awarded

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Release Date: September 17, 2020
Type of Information: Public
Contact: Emergency Management: 267.317.1313

Subject: Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Awarded

Warminster Township – Warminster Township has been awarded a FEMA SAFER grant in the amount of $1,767,963.15 to support the hiring of five (5) career firefighters for weekday fire responses. This is in response to the request from the volunteer fire companies and an independent study outlining the need for career firefighters.

“We’re very pleased to receive this grant” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Ken Hayes. “For decades, the Township has been well served by our volunteer firefighters and it’s now time to help them continue the great work they are doing.”

The award provides 100% of salaries and benefits of new firefighters for a three (3) year period. Warminster Township will employ these firefighters who will then staff existing fire apparatus that is owned by the Warminster Fire Department and the Hartsville Fire Company. Receiving this SAFER grant allows this plan to be enacted sooner, rather than later, and provides quick fire response during times when our volunteer firefighter staffing is most limited.

Collaboration over the last two years between both Fire Companies, Township staff, and our Township Supervisors has resulted in a proactive plan to provide fast response to weekday fire, rescue, and hazardous material incidents in Warminster Township. This partnership between the Township and Fire Companies allows our residents, businesses, schools, and industry to fully realize their investments into our fire services delivery model. Our future career firefighters will utilize up-to-date fire and rescue equipment located on quality firefighting apparatus while stationed in modern fire stations within our Township.

It is anticipated the hiring of career firefighters will take place in early 2021 as the hiring process, mutual fire service agreements, and policies are all finalized between the Township, Warminster Fire Department, and the Hartsville Fire Company.

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