(Columbia) – Congressman Jim Clyburn today congratulated the City of North Charleston for winning more than $1.8 million in firefighter funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s SAFER grants.
“'This is great news for public safety in North Charleston,' Clyburn said. 'This SAFER grant represents an important investment in our community, and funding the hiring and retention of firefighters will boost our preparedness for public emergencies.'
"SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grants are competitive grants administered by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation’s overall level of preparedness. The funds are intended to support the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. Congress recently provided departments receiving SAFER grants much more flexibility in their use of the funds, enabling departments to employ veteran firefighters and maximize their funding across their workforce. The local matching requirement has also been eliminated. SAFER grants are two-year grants. More information can be found here: http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program."