The 2022 SAFER grant will fund six (6) full-time firefighters over a 3-year period.
DENTON, TX, Sept. 1, 2023 - The Denton Fire Department (DFD) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $2,035,458 grant through the 2022 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. This significant grant, funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is a testament to the city's dedication to enhancing public safety in the Denton community.
The SAFER Grant Program, which aims to bolster firefighter staffing levels to meet industry standards and address fire-related hazards, has selected Denton as a deserving recipient for the fifth time. This recognition reflects the City's ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its residents and the dedicated men and women of the Denton Fire Department.
The $2,035,458 SAFER grant will fund six full-time firefighter positions over a three-year period, fortifying the city's firefighting capabilities and aligning with DFD's 10-year staffing plan. These additional staff members will play a vital role in the future, enhancing the department's firefighting capabilities and response times.
The Denton City Council unanimously approved the submission of the grant application on March 21, 2023, through Resolution 23-528. This collaborative effort between the City Council and the Denton Fire Department underscores the city's commitment to providing the necessary resources for its firefighting professionals.
Since the inception of the SAFER program in 2005, it has distributed approximately $5.2 billion in grant funding to fire departments across the nation. Denton has been a consistent beneficiary of these funds, receiving its first award of $1,035,928 in the 2016 program year, which funded six positions. Subsequent grants were awarded as follows:
- Program Year 2019: $1,026,738, funding 3 positions
- Program Year 2020: $989,136.30, funding 3 positions
- Program Year 2021: $3,721,892, funding 12 positions
Notably, beginning in program year 2021, SAFER awards were fully funded at 100 percent, eliminating the need for any matching funds from the city. This financial support has been instrumental in enhancing Denton's firefighting capabilities, ensuring rapid response to emergencies, and promoting firefighter recruitment and retention.
The Denton Fire Department would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and the SAFER program for their continued support and investment in the safety of Denton's residents and firefighters.
For media inquiries, contact: Ryan Adams, 940-349-8565, [email protected]
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