ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) has been awarded a $1.74 million Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to hire, train, and deploy 7 full-time firefighters. That to hire, train, and deploy additional firefighters to ensure 24/7 coverage at the North Garden station and the surrounding communities.

 

The SAFER grant was created by the FEMA to provide funding directly to fire departments to help increase or maintain the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

“This grant enables Albemarle County to make significant progress in our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” said Jim Andrews, Chair of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. “We are deeply appreciative of FEMA’s support and the hard work of our County staff in securing this competitive award, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality services.”

Upon acceptance of the grant, seven grant-funded firefighters will join the five firefighters currently on a daytime schedule, facilitating the transition to 24/7 coverage.

“I want to express my gratitude to our staff for their dedication and hard work, which were instrumental in securing this important funding,” said ACFR Fire Chief Dan Eggleston. “With the continued support of the Board of Supervisors and County leadership, our department remains committed to proactively enhancing our ability to deliver professional and consistent services to the residents of Albemarle County.”

To fill the newly added positions, ACFR actively recruited throughout the summer. Starting in January 2025, the new hires will attend a six-month recruit academy to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for the role. Their training will cover emergency medical technician skills, firefighter survival, car seat installation, emergency vehicle operation, and a range of other essential competencies for success.