SAFER grant awarded to Yadkinville Fire Department.
The Yadkinville Fire Department was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Sept. 11. The SAFER Grant award for Yadkinville Fire Department is just over $309,000. SAFER stands for “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response,” explained Patrick Long, Yadkinville Fire President.
The four-year grant includes funding for a part-time grant coordinator, equipment, training, supplies and media expenses to bolster recruiting and retention of perspective and active firefighters. This will be the first increase in paid fire staff at Yadkinville in several years, Long said.
“We are excited to get funding for a part-time coordinator to help recruit new members,” Fire Chief Jody Doss said. “With the nation-wide decrease in volunteer fire members, this grant will help us to recruit more volunteers, get trained firefighters on scene quicker, that will result in a safer and more effective response.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the SAFER Grant. The grant provides funding to fire departments to help increase or maintain the number of trained, “front line” firefighters.
For more information about how to volunteer, visit the station, located at 729 N. State St. or yadkinvillefire.com.
Kitsey Burns Harrison may be reached at 336-258-4035 or on Twitter and Instagram @RippleReporterK.