Federal Grant Funds New Farmington Hills Firefighters

(FHFD) will hire three new firefighters this year, with more than a half-million dollars in federal money aimed at making communities safer. 

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced the $517,533 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) award on July 4. Fire Chief Corey Bartsch said he learned that same day the grant application, written by Lt. David Feichtner, was successful. 

"This grant couldn't have come at a better time, given our staffing levels and the financial situation of the city," Bartsch said. 

FHFD has lost 25 percent of its staffing since 2008, he added. Currently, 38 people work for the department, including administrative personnel.

Bartsch said the funds can't be used to offset the costs of firefighters who are already employed. At the end of the two years, the city will be responsible for funding the new positions, he added. 

The department will consider candidates who are state licensed paramedics and already trained in firefighting and handling hazardous materials, Bartsch said. The three new hires will undergo two weeks of orientation before being assigned to a crew or a partner. 

According to a press release issued by Stabenow's office, the SAFER grant "is intended to support the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters." The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

Farmington Hills is one of four cities to receive awards. The Auburn Hills Fire Department will receive $184,000, the Highland Township Fire Department will receive $429,035 and the Lincoln Park Fire Department will receive $599,907.

"Our firefighters help to keep our communities safe, and I am so glad that with this grant, Southeast Michigan Fire Departments will be able to hire and retain more firefighters. They deserve the best resources available to protect Michigan families," Stabenow said. 

"We're pretty excited," Bartsch said. "This is a great help, and it will relieve a lot of pressure for us. It's a far cry from what we need, but it moves us in the right direction."