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The Latham Fire Department has been awarded a grant of over $426,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding, provided through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, is aimed at enhancing the department's staffing and safety capabilities.
According to News10 ABC, the grant will enable the department to hire four new full-time firefighters, bolstering its daily operations and response capacity. Latham Fire Chief William Childs emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "With this SAFER award, we can ensure that Latham remains fully staffed and ready to respond at any hour." The addition of new firefighters is expected to improve response times and enhance safety for both the firefighters and the community they serve.
The SAFER grant program, as detailed on the FEMA website, aims to provide financial assistance to fire departments across the United States to ensure they have enough adequately trained staff. This initiative supports community resilience by equipping and training emergency personnel.
The Latham Fire Department, established in 1910, serves approximately 21,000 residents in Latham and Colonie, operating from two stations located on Old Loudon Road and Watervliet-Shaker Road. The funding from the SAFER grant will play a crucial role in maintaining the department's readiness and effectiveness in emergency situations.