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Council authorizes application for federal SAFER grant to add eight firefighter/EMT positions
Summary
The council authorized the town manager to submit a SAFER application seeking eight entry‑level firefighter/EMT positions to increase dedicated ambulance staffing and move toward NFPA 1710 standards; the vote to apply passed 4–1.
Town fire leaders asked the council for permission to apply for the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant on June 15. The department proposed eight new entry‑level firefighter/EMT positions — two per battalion — to create a second dedicated ambulance and to increase compliance with NFPA 1710 minimum staffing guidelines.
Chiefs explained grant terms: the federal share would cover roughly 75% of salaries and benefits in years one and two, and 35% in year three; the town would cover the remainder and bear full cost thereafter. Fire staff said expanded dedicated ambulance staffing could improve response times, increase ambulance‑transport revenue and reduce reliance on mutual aid.
Council authorized submitting the application. The motion passed by recorded vote; the chair voted no and other members supported the application. If awarded, the grant will require the town to budget the local share in future years.
Next steps: staff will file the application before the closing deadline and return to council to accept any award and to discuss budgetary implications.
