On Monday, July 16, FEMA will begin accepting applications for FY 2012 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funding. The program was created to increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters in communities across the country by assisting local fire departments with their staffing and deployment capabilities.

Grants are available in two categories: Hiring Firefighters and Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters. Hiring Firefighters grant recipients may dedicate funding to either the rehiring of firefighters, the retention of firefighters facing imminent lay-offs, or the hiring of new firefighters with priority being given to the rehiring of firefighters. Under the Recruitment and Retention Category, departments experiencing high rates of turnover with staffing levels significantly below levels required to comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards will be given preference.

There is a total of $320.6 million available for both categories combined, no cost share is required.

Program guidance along with SAFER Get Ready Guides and Self Evaluation tools are now available on the FEMA website.  The application deadline will be August 10: http://1.usa.gov/A9Z8gR