Grant Provides For 70 New Firefighters In Anne Arundel County

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Thanks to a federal grant, Anne Arundel County now can add up to 70 new firefighter positions. The funding comes from a federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“This is great news for our fire department and all county residents,” said County Executive Pittman. “Public safety is the most important obligation we have, and I’m pleased that we are moving forward to fill critical vacancies and expand our firefighter force to provide better coverage for our communities. I want to thank Senator Chris Van Hollen and our entire Maryland delegation for their support in securing this important federal funding.”

Anne Arundel County’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget includes 50 new firefighter positions. The SAFER grant supports up to 70 new positions by contributing upwards of $8.5 million in federal funding in three years. If all of the new positions can be hired before the end of the fiscal year, the Pittman administration intends to introduce legislation to the county council to authorize 20 additional firefighter positions to bring the FY2020 budget total 70.

“Through the SAFER grant, we look forward to the opportunity to increase our staffing and improve our service delivery to the residents, businesses and visitors of Anne Arundel County,” said Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford.