Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded $1,137,744 to the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department for hiring as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
“Pennsylvania’s first responders risk their lives every day for our communities by answering the call for help,” Senator Casey said. “SAFER grants are imperative to helping smaller and growing departments to fill the needs of these communities. This grant will create jobs, boost Wilkes-Barre’s economy, and continue to keep our communities safe.”
“The City of Wilkes-Barre was in desperate need of this grant, as layoffs were imminent, and we appreciate the help from Senator Casey and Congressman Cartwright. Their persistence on this matter was critical to the grant being awarded to Wilkes-Barre,” said Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tony George.
The SAFER program is a funding initiative designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation’s overall level of preparedness. The goal of any SAFER grant is to enhance the ability of recipients to increase and maintain 24-hour fire department staffing and to ensure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.
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