Federal, State and local officials celebrate SAFER Grant firefighter graduation

San Jose, CA – To celebrate the return of nearly two dozen firefighters to the line this week, the City of San José and the San José Fire Department today brought together federal, state and local leaders who aided the Fire Department in obtaining a $15 million grant to reinstate laid-off firefighters.

August 25, 2011

The grant, awarded from the Federal Emergency Management Agency‘s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, has allowed the Fire Department to reinstate 22 firefighters who were laid off in July 2010. These firefighters have completed a refresher Fire Academy training, and will report to duty starting Friday, August 26.

“I’m delighted that we were able to secure this absolutely essential funding from the federal government to keep firefighters on the job,” noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Every day, all across our city, brave men and women rush into danger responding to calls for help. I’m humbled to have played a part in making sure those calls go answered and I’m immensely proud of the work that our first responders do in our community.”

“In these trying budget times, I am extremely pleased to welcome these 22 firefighters back to our department and our community,” said Mayor Chuck Reed. “I’d like to thank the many different people who joined together to help us receive and accept this grant award.”

“The awarding of the SAFER grant will significantly improve the level of emergency services in San José by bringing back much needed firefighters and companies to the community,” noted Fire Chief William McDonald. “As a result, our on-duty staffing levels will increase, assisting us in better addressing the needs of our residents. Our Department is honored to have received the grant and I believe the residents of our city will greatly benefit.”

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her ninth term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.