Home CONFIRE Contra Costa Fire District Awarded $9.57 Million Federal Grant

Contra Costa Fire District Awarded $9.57 Million Federal Grant

by ECT

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The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has been awarded some much needed aid in the form of a $9.57 million federal grant to hire additional firefighters.

The county fire district applied for the grant, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s SAFER program where they are hoping to hire somewhere between 18 to 27 firefighters explained Chief Jeff Carman.

“Certainly this doesn’t fix the financial issues, but it provides the district some breathing room while we pursue other revenue streams, efficiencies, and innovative ideas to provide service,” said Carman.

The District today operates just 23 stations with 23 three-person crews (69 firefighters) which covers 304-square miles. Prior to the cuts last year, the District had 28 stations.

Carman says the District will now explore how many firefighters they can hire and how they will be deployed once discussions with stakeholders begin.

When asked if firefighters from East Contra Costa Fire Protection District firefighters will be given preference since they are local and will be likely laid off by December, Carmen explained they have to follow county hiring rules and they need to be on their current hiring list. He did say he will do everything they can to help them out.

Supervisor Federal Glover was pleased with the Grant award, but notes they must continue to find a long-term solution.

“The SAFER Grant offers us a little breathing room so we can continue to provide services while we work for a more sustainable solution,” said Glover.

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