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Congresswoman Kat Cammack Helps Secure $2.7M Grant For Clay County Fire Rescue

September 10, 2021

GAINESVILLE, FL – The Office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced that Clay County received a $2,778,696 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Award grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant assists fire departments in increasing the number of firefighters to meet industry minimum standards and attaining 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.

In FY 2020, the grant program will make $355M directly available to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help departments increase frontline responders.

"As the wife of a first responder and proud supporter of our emergency response community, I'm thrilled that Clay County has received this grant," said Congresswoman Cammack. "The pandemic has added additional stress to our fire departments, which have faced staffing difficulties with increased community demands. These funds will help Clay County hire top talent to ensure the best possible service for the county."

"Having been through an exhausting and tragic 2020, this much needed manpower through the SAFER grant will breathe new life into our strained system!" said David Motes, Acting Fire Chief and Assistant County Manager with the Clay County Department of Public Safety. "Thank you to Congresswoman Cammack for all of her support of our first responders."

The grant program permits hiring activity that includes new firefighters, additional firefighters, the rehiring of laid off firefighters, and/or the retention of firefighters facing layoffs.

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