09.25.19

Everett Fire Wins SAFER Grant to Add Staff at Everett’s Busiest Firehouse

The Everett Fire Department has been awarded the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, which will fund a portion of newly hired firefighter’s salaries and benefits for three years. Everett Fire had requested funding for additional firefighter positions to provide needed staffing at Fire Station 6, in south Everett.

“We look forward to strengthening our services for the community,” said Dave DeMarco, Everett fire chief. “We are thankful to our local elected federal representatives for showing their support for our community by helping us obtain the grant.”

By combining SAFER awarded funds with dollars approved by taxpayers in the successful 2018 EMS levy lid lift measure, it will allow Everett Fire to add more firefighters and staff another EMS aid unit.

“This important investment will allow for another 10 firefighters to be hired at Fire Station 6, helping to ensure that Everett Fire is even better equipped to serve the community and keep people safe,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.

Fire Station 6 serves the world’s largest aerospace manufacturing cluster and an area of the city that contains a large number of multifamily residences.

“In June, I visited Fire Station 6 to meet with crew members and better understand staffing needs at Everett’s busiest fire station,” said Congressman Rick Larsen. “I commend the Everett Fire Department for receiving a SAFER grant that will allow the department to address staffing needs and help improve emergency response times. I will continue to support increased funding for federal SAFER grants to ensure local fire departments have the resources needed to keep our communities safe.”

Congressional members supported the grant award to Everett Fire with a letter of support that highlighted the need and importance of the additional staff.

“We’re thankful to our congressional delegation for their crucial support for this grant,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “Public safety is a top priority, and with their support we will be able to offer improved services to our community.”

Everett Fire will access the SAFER award funds beginning in 2020 and receive additional award funds in 2021 and 2022. The added staff will provide improved service for all of south Everett.

“These critical federal investments will help ensure the Everett Fire Department is adequately staffed and able to fully serve the Everett community during emergencies and other crises,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray. “I’m glad to see these awards flow to support first responders in the North Sound, and I will continue to fight to secure funding for vital federal programs like the SAFER grant program that help keep families and communities safe across Washington state.”