The Broken Arrow Fire Department has fulfilled a Vision 2025 Renewal campaign promise to hire 20 new firefighters by 2020.
Broken Arrow voters agreed to renew the Tulsa County Vision 2025 sales tax in November 2015 and repurpose it to pay for additional police officers, firefighters and local street improvements.
“We're proud to have been able to fulfill our promise to our citizens almost three years ahead of schedule,” said Fire Chief Jeremy Moore. “These new firefighters will help improve the services BAFD provides and ensure our community continues to enjoy a high quality of life.”
A federal grant allowed the department to hire nine firefighters in November 2015. FEMA awarded the department a second grant, which allowed BAFD to hire an additional 11 firefighters in February 2017. While the grant covers salaries for a two-year period, the voter approved renewal of the Vision 2025 sales tax ensures BAFD will be able to retain the new firefighters after the grants expire. BAFD’s authorized strength is now at 173.
“What we heard from Broken Arrow residents, when they voted to renew the Vision 2025 tax, is that public safety matters,” said Mayor Craig Thurmond. “I’m thrilled to see new firefighters added to our ranks ahead of schedule, so that we can continue providing timely life-saving services to our rapidly growing community.”
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