Delray Fire seeks federal SAFER grant; commission votes to submit application

Delray Beach Fire Rescue asked the city commission on June 17 to authorize staff to submit an application for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. The grant would help fund firefighters the federal government supports for a multiyear period, but it carries conditions on hiring and continued staffing.

Deputy Chief Travis Franco explained the federal timetable and operational requirements. "The application needs to be in July 3," Franco said, and he described the federal review, award and recruitment windows: application review takes two to four months, award decisions generally require an additional four to six months, and the federal program provides a 180‑day recruitment window after award unless the city requests a waiver.

Commissioners and staff discussed the grant’s obligations. Franco and others explained that, if the city accepts the award, it is expected to maintain the funded positions during the federal funding period and be prepared to cover positions if funding ceases later. One commissioner noted that receiving the award does not obligate the city to accept it; another observed that applying gives the city an opportunity that would be lost if it does not apply.

After discussion about time commitments, recruitment timing and the legal obligations of accepting federal grant terms, a motion to pursue submission passed by voice vote. The commission approved making the application; staff will file the grant application before the July 3 deadline and return with details of obligations and options if the city is selected.

No permanent hiring decisions were made at the meeting; the action authorized only the application process. Fire staff said they are actively recruiting to meet contractual staffing deadlines regardless of the grant outcome.