LAFD Light Force 38 Being Restored Thanks to New Safer Grant
On August 24, 2018, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) was notified that its application for the 2017 Staffing Adequate Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant was approved in the amount of $7,492,023. The Federal share of the award is $4,620,082, while the cost match for the City is $2,871,941. At this time, for 2017 grant applications, it is the largest award in the State of California. With this funding, the LAFD will be able to hire additional personnel to staff Light Force 38.
The SAFER Grant Program was created to provide funding directly to Fire Departments to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “front line” Firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local Fire Departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
SAFER Grants are offered to support projects to hire new, additional Firefighters to improve staffing levels and are limited to fire suppression resources (Engines and Trucks only). Ultimately, SAFER recipients should achieve more efficient responses; thereby ensuring communities have improved protection from fire and fire-related hazards.
In 2016, the LAFD was awarded $15,468,782 from the SAFER Grant Program. With that funding, the LAFD was able staff four new engines that went into service last month in Echo Park (Fire Station 20), Lincoln Heights (Fire Station 1), Reseda (Fire Station 73) and Mission Hills (Fire Station 75).
We are currently working on the Light Force 38 implementation timeline, as it is dependent on the timing of Drill Tower graduations, the availability of a new truck and pump, and budget impact. The implementation projection at this time is mid-2019.
The Department’s collaborative efforts with Mayor Garcetti’s Office, the International Association of Firefighters Vice President Frank Lima and United Firefighters of Los Angeles City President Tony Gamboa, were once again a significant factor in the awarding of the SAFER Grant.
