Tyler Fire Department Wins $1.58 Million Staffing Grant

TYLER — The Tyler Professional Fire Fighters Association has announced that the City of Tyler Fire Department was awarded a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.) Subject to Tyler City Council approval on Oct. 11, the SAFER Grant will provide the city with $1.58 million in funding over a three-year period for the hiring of an additional 12 fire fighters. Acceptance of the grant would be another step towards maintaining the city’s current favorable ISO Rating (Insurance Services Office), which saves residents and businesses millions of dollars on insurance premiums.

If approved, the SAFER Grant will cover firefighter salaries and benefits at a rate of 75 percent for the first two years and 35 percent in the third year. Half of the cost to the city for the first two years of the grant will be offset by estimated savings in overtime, which is currently necessary to keep minimum staffing. The City of Tyler would be responsible for the full salary and benefits beginning on year four.