Staffing for adequate fire and emergency response (SAFER)

The Village of Ottawa received a $115,850.44 Project Grant award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters Financial Assistance Awards under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program (CFDA 97.083) on December 19, 2025. The award, with a completion date of December 18, 2027, supports the Village's firefighting and emergency response operations in Ottawa, Ohio. The SAFER program provides direct federal funding to eligible local government recipients to help communities meet industry minimum standards, attain 24-hour staffing levels, and maintain adequate fire protection and emergency services.

The grant funds one or both of the SAFER program's core activities: hiring of frontline firefighters and recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. The Village of Ottawa has a demonstrated track record in managing federal firefighting grants, having previously received SAFER awards in 2020 and 2021, as well as sub-awards from the Ohio Department of Public Safety Emergency Management Agency for emergency communications and preparedness initiatives. Through this award, the Village will enhance its capacity to provide essential firefighting, emergency preparedness, and related services to its community.