Staffing for adequate fire and emergency response (SAFER)

The Umatilla County Fire District Number 1 was awarded a $6,935,348.32 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on March 22, 2025. The SAFER Grant program, with CFDA Number 97.083, provides financial assistance to local fire departments to enhance their emergency response capabilities, with a focus on hiring new firefighters and supporting the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. This three-year award will enable the fire district to hire new firefighters and support volunteer recruitment efforts to ensure the community has adequate fire and emergency response protection. Additionally, the fire district has received a $131,298.31 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for fire prevention and safety projects, as well as participated in several sub-awards through the Oregon Military Department related to disaster response and recovery efforts.