Staffing for adequate fire and emergency response (safer)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded Middlesex Borough Of a $400,000 Project Grant 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, 2029, supports the enhancement of the Middlesex Borough Fire Department's emergency response capabilities through firefighter hiring and recruitment initiatives. The SAFER program provides direct federal funding to eligible municipalities to help communities meet industry minimum staffing standards and achieve 24-hour operational coverage to ensure adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.

Under this four-year project period, the funding will be deployed toward hiring frontline firefighters and supporting recruitment and retention activities essential to sustaining the fire department's operational capacity. The award reflects FEMA's strategic investment in building sustainable public safety infrastructure within the municipality and demonstrates Middlesex Borough Of's continued commitment to strengthening its emergency services workforce through federally supported programs.