FEMA informs Fall River that city will not get SAFER grant

Herald News Photo | Dave Souza

Jo C. Goode
Herald News Staff Reporter
Posted Apr. 7, 2014

FALL RIVER — The Federal Emergency Management Agency informed the city on Monday there will be no SAFER grant, which could have saved the jobs of 16 firefighters, Mayor Will Flanagan announced.

That means Flanagan will go forward with the layoffs of 60 firefighters this summer, reducing the Fall River Fire Department from a complement of 213 to 153.

“We are going to see a more nimble fire department on July 1,” Flanagan said.

The city’s fire department has been bolstered by SAFER grants for nearly the past four years.

Firefighters Local 1314 President Jason Burns said it’s disappointing news, but the firefighters knew it was an uphill battle.

He noted the fire department has brought in $26 million to the city coffers to fund 158 firefighters in past years.

Two years ago — after learning the city was awarded what was, at the time, the largest SAFER grant ever given to a municipality — Flanagan said the city had to start planning for the future.

“We need to assure in two years we’re not in the same place we are now — relying on a bailout by the federal government,” Flanagan said.

“We thought we were making headway,” said Burns, “but obviously that wasn’t the case. Whatever it was, it didn’t work. Where are the solutions coming from the sixth floor?”

 

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