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De Pere committee authorizes application for FEMA SAFER grant to add two firefighter-paramedics
Summary
The committee authorized the fire department to apply for FEMA's SAFER grant to seek funding for two full-time firefighter-paramedics to help equalize staffing across shifts; staff estimated the grant would fund three years of pay/benefits and reduce city cost if awarded.
The De Pere Finance & Personnel Committee voted to recommend that the city apply for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant to help hire two full-time firefighter-paramedics.
Chief Jansen explained the operational need: De Pere has experienced sustained population and development growth and a large increase in call volume. The chief said the department's call volume has risen about 250% since 1987 and inspections have increased roughly 220%, straining a staffing model that currently operates with two stations and fewer than nine firefighters on each shift. “We are at the point where we need to start adding staff,” the chief said, noting overlapping calls and delayed responses when multiple incidents occur.
The SAFER grant (national pool roughly $324 million set aside for the 2026 program, per staff) would fund salaries, benefits and personal protective equipment for three years. Staff explained the city would be responsible for a portion of each position's cost: 25% in years 1 and 2 and 65% in year 3. Using a loaded annual cost estimate of $122,293 per firefighter position (salary, benefits and gear), staff projected a three-year city net savings of about $244,534 if grant-funded hires accelerate staffing plans.
Staff emphasized that applying does not obligate immediate hiring; awards are expected to be announced in September 2026 and, if successful, hires would likely start in 2027 and still require council budget approval for permanent positions after the grant period. Committee members asked about selection criteria and competitiveness; staff said awards consider department size, documented need and fiscal plan for sustaining positions.
The committee approved the recommendation to apply. Staff will complete the application by the stated SAFER deadline and return to council if the grant is awarded.
