Although there has been no official announcement yet, Danville firefighters are optimistic the city will receive a federal SAFER grant. The money would help fund six new firefighter positions if the total amount that has been requested is approved and then accepted by the city council.
Members of the Danville City Council’s Public Services Committee were told last night the grant would allow the city to save an estimated $600-thousand dollars that is currently budgeted for overtime.
The money would fund 75-percent of the usual cost of a first year firefighter – including standard benefits – for their first and second years. In the third year the grant would cover 35-percent of those costs.
Brian Hogg, President of Danville Firefighters Local 429, says having six new firefighters equals 15 firefighters per shift. He says it means that earned leave time would be covered by on-duty personnel. And with the already reduced manning requirements, Hogg adds overtime costs would be greatly reduced.
The City of Danville expects to hear next month whether or not the grant will be approved.
