The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the City of Elyria the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant. The award will cover the cost of three additional firefighters’ salaries for the next three years, with a total benefit of nearly $850,000.
The SAFER Grant is designed to provide funding directly to fire departments to recruit and retain trained, “front line” firefighters. The grant application is stringent, and the Elyria Fire Department began the process nearly a year ago, “Our department is ready for anything,” Chief Joe Pronesti said. “‘But our city is growing, our response area is expanding. This grant will help us meet those growing needs and continue keeping all Elyrians safe.”
According to Mayor Kevin A. Brubaker, the SAFER Grant is another tool to ensure Elyrians continue to be provided with superior safety services, efficiently. “‘I thank Chief Pronesti, and our partners at McCaulley & Company, for leading the effort to secure this grant,” Brubaker said. “Elyria is rapidly growing, and we must be prepared. This grant is yet another tool in our toolbox to keep up with our expanding community. More firefighters mean a safer Elyria. I think we can all be grateful for this news.”
For more information on the SAFER Grant, visit www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness.
Media inquiries may be directed to the office of: Kevin A. Brubaker
Mayor, City of Elyria
131 Court Street- Suite 301
Elyria, OH 44035
(440) 326-1402