WORCESTER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced $15 million in grants to the City of Worcester for increased staffing and equipment to support the Worcester Fire Department (WFD).
A FEMA SAFER Grant for $14.1 million will support the salaries of 60 new firefighters over the next three years. An Assistance to Firefighters Grant, also from FEMA, provides $806,000 for self-contained breathing apparatuses, personal radios, and turnout gear for new WFD recruits.
The Worcester City Council approved a fire department budget in June that will increase the department from 409 to 452 members. The next two classes of new recruits will bring the department to about 435.
Acting Fire Chief Martin Dyer said the funding will enable the department to increase daily staffing levels “for a safer and more effective fire and emergency response.”
