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The Arlington County Fire Department was the only agency in Virginia to receive the grant specifically given for hiring firefighters. The grant requires the County to match an increasing proportion over a four-year period; in the fifth year of the grant, the County absorbs the entire cost of the firefighter positions. The Virginia SAFER grant match covers a portion of the first-year cost to the County. Virginia is the only state to provide the first-year match.
“Arlington County has clearly demonstrated its commitment to public safety, and has been a leader in working with regional and state partners since September 11th,” said Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. “With this Virginia grant, we're sharing in Arlington County’s commitment to providing the best-possible fire protection for the community.”
“Four-person staffing on our fire apparatus allows us to increase our on-scene emergency capabilities,” says Arlington County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman. “This grant is a significant step toward better protecting our community and creating safer working conditions for our firefighters.”
Enhanced Fire Department Staffing
The eight new Arlington County firefighters/EMTs are currently part of a 21-member recruit school. They each will be assigned as a fourth member of a firefighting crew – allowing Arlington to meet the National Fire Protection Association’s minimum standard of four firefighters on engine, rescue and truck companies.
Currently, the Fire Department staffs 10 of its 14 suppression units with four firefighters. This grant allows the Fire Department to staff two additional units (Ladder or Rescue) with four firefighters.
Story and photos courtesy Arlington County website:
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