The Bettendorf City Council voted this week to accept a SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will allow the city to hire an additional six firefighters.
In a news release Tuesday, Oct. 3, city officials said Bettendorf is growing, and so is its commitment to keep citizens and properties safe.
The SAFER grant from FEMA totals $2,053,398.
“This award guarantees full staffing of an engine company at our Surrey Heights Fire Station 24/7 on all three shifts, which meets a top goal in the mayor and city council’s 2022-23 Strategic Plan,” said Fire Chief Troy Said. “Most importantly, it provides better overall service to our citizens in that area and throughout the entire city.”
According to FEMA, the SAFER Grants were “created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, ‘front line’ firefighters available in their communities.”
Since Fiscal Year 2005, FEMA has awarded approximately $5.1 billion in SAFER Grants.
With the city council’s acceptance of the grant, the Bettendorf Fire Department will hire six firefighters in six months. The grant will provide 100% of the funding for their base salary and benefits for three years.
“As our city continues to grow, so does the demand for services,” said Mr. Said. “I appreciate our city administration and the continued support of our council members recognizing the need for increased staffing in public safety. These additional six firefighters will not only enhance our services in the northern part of our city, but they will also help provide future structure to our entire fire department’s organization.”
