Calif. fire department gets grant to hire six firefighters

The Contra Costa Times

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Alameda Fire Department will hire six firefighters, using the funds from a $1.7 million federal grant.

The fire department received the funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program.

The money will allow the hiring of six firefighters for two years.

"The mission of the fire department is to protect Alameda residents from the adverse effects of fires, medical emergencies and exposure to other dangerous conditions," said fire Chief Dave Kapler. "In light of the current economic constraints on the city, the Alameda Fire Department is pleased to receive this grant which will allow us to continue high-quality service and relieve some of the economic burden on the City of Alameda."

Kapler added in a statement that the $1.7 million grant not only funds hiring firefighters, it also should help the city realize substantial savings in overtime.

Firefighters will be hired from the city's Reduction in Force list, as well as the California Fire Foundation displaced firefighter list.

The foundation list is made up of firefighters who were laid off from other fire departments.

The six additional firefighters are expected to help Stations Four and Two.

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