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Santa Fe County Fire Department Awarded Nearly One-Half Million Dollar Grant for Additional Volunteer Staffing

Santa Fe County – September 17, 2010 – Santa Fe County Fire Department has been awarded a $499,200 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The SAFER Grant was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter related organizations to help them increase the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing as well as response and operational standards established by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Santa Fe County received the SAFER Grant for the Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Program. This four-year grant will allow the Department to hire a full-time volunteer recruitment and retention coordinator. The grant will also pay for recruitment marketing, service awards, volunteer fire officer training for volunteers, and benefits for the retention program. Currently, 350 individuals volunteer as firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and auxiliary members with the Santa Fe County Fire Department.

“The Coordinator and Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Program is an example of the County’s commitment to providing quality fire and emergency response services to our communities while ensuring our volunteers are trained and recognized for their dedication,” says Fire Chief Stan Holden.

Santa Fe County residents interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Captain Mike Jaffa, (505) 992-3087 or mjaffa@santafecounty.org.