Kingsport Fire Department Welcomes Six New Firefighters
KINGSPORT – In April the Kingsport Fire Department received a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant of $488,886 from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. Kingsport Fire Department applied for this grant in 2010 to help keep our fire protection and life safety at a higher level. Chief Craig Dye said, These new firefighters are greatly needed. These firefighters and the opening of Station 8 later this year will help us maintain the superior fire protection and medical response that our citizens expect. Our request for this grant was accepted thanks to help from Congressman Phil Roe.
Federal Emergency Management Agency grants are awarded to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards. Three types of grants are available: Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), and Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S).