Atlantic City receives grant to hire firefighters

By Emily Previti
Press of Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY — More than 20 new firefighters will be hired within a month using part of a $9.7 million federal grant, city officials confirmed Wednesday.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response money will pay the salaries of 21 new firefighters for two years, bringing the department up to adequate staff levels under program guidelines, and fund a dozen promotions to captain as well.

The money, awarded in February, was first used in May to bring back 28 of 30 firefighters laid off last year amid budget cuts. One firefighter chose not to return, while another was on disability and could not return under the grant, which only pays for those who respond to fires.

Full story: Federal grant allows Atlantic City to hire more than 20 new firefighters