Staffing for adequate fire and emergency response (SAFER)

Banks Fire District received a $246,336 Project Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program (CFDA 97.083) awarded December 19, 2025, with a completion date of December 18, 2029. This grant supports the district's efforts to enhance emergency response capabilities through firefighter staffing initiatives, specifically targeting recruitment and retention of both career and volunteer firefighters to meet industry minimum standards and maintain 24-hour operational capacity.

The SAFER program provides direct federal funding to eligible fire districts and departments to help communities meet staffing requirements necessary for adequate fire protection and emergency response services. Banks Fire District, located in Banks, Oregon, will deploy these funds to strengthen its operational firefighter workforce while addressing the critical needs of volunteer recruitment and retention—core activities supported through the multi-phase, merit-based selection process administered by FEMA. This award reflects the district's demonstrated capacity as a consistent federal grant recipient and its commitment to enhancing public safety infrastructure within its service area.