City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Awarded $5.6M Grant

Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO

Friday, September 9th, 2016

Mayor Kasim Reed announced that the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department has been awarded a $5.6 million grant from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The $5.6 million grant will enable AFRD to hire 47 new sworn firefighters. These new firefighters will support the core functions of the Department and enhance its ability to respond to emergencies in high density areas, as well as both residential and commercial high-rise buildings and large public assemblies.

“I am pleased to announce the Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded a $5.6 million S.A.F.E.R. grant to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “With this award, the Department will be able to move forward in executing their strategic plan, which includes recruiting new firefighters and enhancing their capabilities to respond to emergencies and protect public safety. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department is one of the finest departments in the country, and I congratulate Chief Joel Baker and all of the women and men who helped secure this grant.”

This is the second S.A.F.E.R. grant awarded to the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department under the Reed Administration. The first grant for $10 million was awarded in 2011 and resulted in 75 firefighters being hired. The guidelines of the S.A.F.E.R. grant require the AFRD to conduct a rigorous recruitment effort over the next 180 days. The $5.6 million grant will allow AFRD to retain the new firefighters for up to two years.

“I am excited that the new funds from the S.A.F.E.R. grant will enable the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department to recruit more quality women and men to join our family,” said AFRD Chief Joel Baker. “As we are able to put more experienced, knowledgeable firefighters in the field, we are better able to protect the safety of our residents and visitors. On behalf of the Department, I offer my appreciation to Mayor Kasim Reed for his ongoing support as we work to expand, improve and maintain our status as one of the most accomplished firefighting operations in the country.”

Through the support of the grants, AFRD is able to increase or maintain the number of trained, frontline firefighters present in the City of Atlanta, and enhance the Department’s ability to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.