Staffing for adequate fire and emergency response (SAFER)

The Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue received a $194,187 Project Grant award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program (CFDA #97.083). The purpose of the SAFER Grant Program is to help local fire departments hire, recruit, and retain firefighters to enhance staffing and deployment capabilities for responding to emergencies and ensuring adequate community protection from fire and related hazards.

This recent SAFER grant award to Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, with a project period from Nov 2023 to Nov 2027, will be used to bolster the department's frontline staffing levels. Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue has been a repeat recipient of SAFER grants, securing over $1.6M in funding since 2020 to support its critical fire and emergency response services for a population of approximately 37,000 in the Kelso, Washington area. The department has also benefited from other FEMA grant programs, including $131,823 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants in 2022 for equipment and supplies.