Atlanta fire department gets $5.6 million to hire new firefighters

ATLANTA, Ga. - The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department was awarded a $5.6 million grant to hire 47 new firefighters, according to a statement from Mayor Kasim Reed on Friday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the funds as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (S.A.F.E.R.) program. The grant will support core functions of the department and enhance its ability to respond to emergencies in highly populated areas.

"I am excited that the new funds from the S.A.F.E.R. grant will enable the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department to recruit more quality women and men to join our family," said Atlanta fire chief Joel Baker. "As we are able to put more experienced, knowledgeable firefighters in the field, we are better able to protect the safety of our residents and visitors." 

This is the second S.A.F.E.R.  grant the department has received under the Reed administration. A $10,000 grant was awarded in 2011, resulting in the hiring of 75 firefighters. 

The funds will allow the AFRD to financially support the incoming firefighters for up to two years. 

The S.A.F.E.R. program requires the department  to conduct rigorous recruitment efforts within the next 180 days.