Staffing for adequate fire and emergency response (safer)

The City of Woonsocket Fire Department was awarded a $424,785.36 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (CFDA 97.083) on August 7, 2023. The SAFER grant program aims to assist local fire departments in enhancing staffing and deployment capabilities to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure adequate community fire and hazard protection.

This federal grant award will enable the Woonsocket Fire Department to strengthen its emergency response services by funding additional firefighter staffing. The City of Woonsocket has previously received over $3.5 million in FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and SAFER grants to improve equipment, vehicles, training, and staffing for enhanced public and firefighter safety. The funding has supported the fire department's hazardous materials response teams and equipment, as well as enabled additional firefighter hiring through the SAFER program.