Grant saves 26 Ore. firefighters from layoffs

KGW

PORTLAND, Ore. — A federal grant will keep 26 Portland firefighters on the job, despite recent budget cuts that called for the elimination of their positions.

Portland Fire & Rescue on Thursday received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for $4.5 million. The money will be used to fund the 26 firefighter positions for two years. Two fire & rescue stations were also set to close due to budget cuts, but the grant will keep them open, too.

"This grant is very important, not only for the firefighters and their families who were directly impacted by potential layoffs, but to everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Portland and relies on the dynamic fire and rescue services PF&R provides,” said Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Erin Janssens.

Full story: Grant saves 26 Portland firefighters from layoffs