Staffing for adequate fire and emergency response (SAFER)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded New Milford Borough of New Milford, New Jersey a $549,000 Project Grant under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program (CFDA 97.083) on December 19, 2025. The award, with an ultimate completion date of December 18, 2029, supports the borough's fire department in meeting industry minimum standards for firefighter staffing and operational capacity. The SAFER program provides direct funding to eligible local government entities to help communities achieve 24-hour staffing levels necessary to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards and to fulfill traditional fire department missions.

Under this award, New Milford will utilize the $549,000 to support either the hiring of frontline firefighters or the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters—the two core eligible activities under the SAFER program. This represents the borough's second recent fire service funding award from FEMA, following a previous Assistance to Firefighters Grant (CFDA 97.044) that was completed in December 2024. The four-year project period allows New Milford to implement sustainable staffing improvements that enhance community fire and emergency response capabilities.