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Fire Commission backs FEMA SAFER grant to hire 36 firefighters
Summary
The San Francisco Fire Commission voted to recommend the Board of Supervisors authorize acceptance of an $8,533,872 FEMA SAFER grant to fund 36 firefighter positions for two years; the department said the hires will be absorbed into the budget after the grant period.
The San Francisco Fire Commission on Sept. 28 recommended that the Board of Supervisors authorize the department to accept and expend an $8,533,872 FEMA SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant to fund 36 new firefighter positions over two years. Marc Corso, finance and planning, told the commission the award covers salaries and benefits for the full two-year performance period and requires no local match.
"This will add a much needed academy to the department's hiring over the next few years," Corso said, describing plans to run multiple academies to offset pending retirements and support staffing needs. Corso said FEMA generally allows a 180-day ramp-up for recruitment and that the grant performance period is projected to begin in February.
Vice President Ken Cleveland moved to accept the resolution; Commissioner Michael Hardiman seconded. The commission approved the recommendation by voice vote.
The department said the SAFER-funded positions are expected to be absorbed into the department's regular budget after the two-year grant period ends. Corso said the city and department are coordinating with the mayor's office and the Board of Supervisors on long-term staffing and budget impacts.
No public speakers opposed the grant during the meeting. The item will proceed to the Board of Supervisors for final authorization and acceptance of the FEMA award.
