LFR's new recruit class. (Photo Courtesy: Lincoln Fire & Rescue)
Lincoln’s Fire and Rescue (LFR) services will be fortified with 18 new firefighters/paramedics, thanks to a federal grant.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and LFR Chief Dave Engler today announced that the City has been awarded a three-year, $5.9 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This grant will help pay for the training and salaries of additional staff.
Chief Engler said SAFER grants are intended to help fire departments provide the highest level of safety and service for their communities by ensuring four responders are on every engine and truck in service as much of the time as possible. The 18 new staff members will allow LFR to restore the pool of personnel available to fill positions that would have had to be covered by employees on overtime.
“This funding supports our continued focus on strengthening LFR ranks with exceptional personnel ensures that our first responders can carry out their duties to the best of their abilities, with the necessary resources to continue to keep Lincoln safe,” Engler said.
The 18 firefighter/paramedics are expected to begin service in spring 2024. LFR last received a $2.2 million SAFER grant in 2018 to help pay for 15 additional firefighters/paramedics.