TULSA -- The city of Tulsa announced Wednesday it has received a $9.5 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency which will allow the city to hire 60 firefighters to the Tulsa Fire Department.
The SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant will allow the city to hire 60 firefighters over the next 12 months. SAFER is a FEMA-administered program designed to help increase the number of first responders in communities.
“By hiring 60 new firefighters, the Tulsa Fire Department will be able to respond to calls and mitigate hazards in a shorter time frame,” Tulsa Fire Chief Ray Driskell said. “We anticipate these new positions will decrease injuries by supplying more firefighters on active fire scenes as identified by previous staffing studies and the National Fire Protection Association.”
The Tulsa City Council will have the opportunity to confirm the approval of the grant in the coming weeks, officials said.
“It’s great once again to see the Tulsa Fire Department receive a SAFER Grant Award to assist in their efforts to serve their surrounding communities,” Congressman Markwayne Mullin said. “TFD plays an integral role in the Tulsa area in responding to emergencies and fires around the clock. I’m grateful to see TFD receive the assistance necessary to continue their important work serving the members of their community.”
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
