The Worcester Fire Department was awarded almost $15 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to hire 60 new firefighters over the next three years and purchase new gear, officials said, MassLive.com reported.
FEMA awarded the department a SAFER grant in the amount of $14.1 million, which is for the salaries of 60 new firefighters over the next three years, the report said.
FEMA also awarded the department the Assistance to Firefighters grant of $806,000 to increase the department’s inventory of self-contained breathing apparatuses, personal radios and turnout gear for new recruits, according to the report.
In June 2022 the Worcester City Council approved an increase in the fire department’s budget to increase the staffing levels of the department from 409 members to 452 members, the report said. The next two classes will bring the department to approximately 435 members, officials said.