Grant will add 12 firefighters to Tahoe Douglas staff
The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept a $2.7 million grant to restaff Engine 24 in Zephyr Cove by hiring 12 firefighters.
Engine 24 has not been staffed because of reduced funding and the loss of personnel due to attrition.
The engine is expected to be back in service by May.
The intent of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant is to improve and restore local fire departments’ staffing and deployment capabilities so they may more effectively respond to emergencies.
“One of my goals as an incoming Chief was to find a way to fully re-staff Zephyr Cove Station 24. Now thanks to the SAFER grant program and the Fire District’s diligent staff, we were able to apply for and receive this funding” said Fire Chief Ben Sharit. According to Chief Sharit “The timing could not have been better as we can hire from our existing regional applicant list and have Engine 24 staffed and back in service by May.
“We are extremely pleased to have been successful in being a recipient of this FEMA grant and look forward to providing the level of service that our community deserves,” said Chief Sharit.
SLT, why are you not getting grants?
if you retire Mark Novac all those new Firemen might not quit