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Anacortes accepts FEMA SAFER grant to add three firefighters; council discusses long-term funding
Summary
Council authorized acceptance of a SAFER grant that will fund three firefighter positions for three years and approved creating three FTEs starting in 2026; staff said unfunding one assistant chief position plus the grant will net short-term general fund savings but long-term pay sustainability remains a council issue.
The Anacortes City Council voted Oct. 13 to accept a federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant that will fund three firefighter positions for a 36-month period and to create three new fire department full-time equivalent positions beginning in 2026.
Fire Chief (presenter) described the FEMA grant program and explained the department’s plan: accept the SAFER award, unfund one assistant chief position, and use the grant funds plus savings from the vacant assistant chief to staff three firefighters so battalion chiefs can operate…
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