WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mike Michaud announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Ellsworth Fire Department a $234,476 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Hiring Grant.

SAFER grants provide assistance to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations to help maintain sufficient staffing levels.  The grant awarded to the Ellsworth Fire Department will provide support for two additional firefighter positions.

“As municipalities face tightening budgets, additional support for first responders becomes more and more critical,” said Michaud. “SAFER grants provide vital assistance that put more firefighters on the street and keep our communities safe.”

In May, Michaud hosted a series of workshops in Auburn, Bangor, and Presque Isle aimed at helping Maine’s fire departments navigate the FEMA firefighter grant process.