Press Release
Rep. Cuellar Announces $566,157 for Converse Fire & EMS DepartmentFunds will allow fire department and EMS to hire six additional “front line” firefighters through SAFER Grant
Converse,
October 17, 2018
|
Olya Voytovich, D.C. Press Secretary & Leslie Martinez, District Press Secretary
(Olya Voytovich 202-226-1583 & Leslie Martinez 956-725-0639)
On Monday, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $566,157 in federal funds for the Converse Fire & EMS Department from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This federal award comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Program. This program will directly provide the fire department and EMS the funding to hire six additional front line firefighters and provide them with more benefits and a safer work environment. Program Specifics 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). Over the course of three years, the federal grant will cover 60 percent of the salary and benefits of six new full-time firefighters, while the city covers the other 40 percent. Increasing Firefighter Hiring and Retention in Converse After the recent annexation of a new subdivision, the City of Converse’s population has increased by approximately 3,500 to an estimated 25,500 residents. The SAFER grant will increase the number of firefighters on full-time staff. Specifically, the Converse Fire and EMS Department will use this funding to hire six additional firefighters. The new firefighters will improve the staffing and deployment capabilities of the fire department, allow for more effective response to emergencies, and ensure that the community has ample protection from fire and fire-related hazards. These additional hires will: · Minimize current firefighters working excessive hours due to overtime; · Decrease the probability of job injuries due to fatigue; · Cover a competitive base salary; and · Create robust benefits packages With the expanded coverage of the department, these funds will provide immediate benefits. The award will help relieve the burden on the City of Converse to provide the majority of funding to service the overall community. Congressman Cuellar said, “This award represents $566,157 in federal funding, with additional local cost-share funding bringing the total award to $918,090. This cooperative effort will provide for the department over the next three years. It will ensure that the Converse Fire & EMS Department will be able to hire staff to accommodate the city’s growing population and increase the safety of its citizens. I would like to thank the City of Converse, Mayor Al Suarez, Fire Chief Luis Valdez and the Converse Fire & EMS Department for engaging in this critical mission.” City of Converse Mayor Al Suarez said, “The City of Converse is currently experiencing explosive growth and has increased its population by 37% since the last census in 2010. The SAFER grant will assist us to provide the best Emergency Fire & EMS services possible to the City of Converse, Emergency Services District 1, and Northeast Metrocom Mutual Aid support. Our sincere thanks to Congressman Henry Cuellar for his proactive assistance.” “We are very thankful to receive this funding to expand the services of the fire department to better our response time to emergencies in our community,” said City of Converse Fire Department Chief Luis Valdez. “This funding will not only allow us to hire more front line firefighters, but it will also provide them with a safer work environment. We thank Congressman Cuellar for his continuous support to the Converse Fire Department, as well as FEMA, the Mayor, and the City for their efforts in this important matter.” Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announces $566,157 for Converse Fire & EMS Department in Converse on Monday. Pictured front row from left to right: Fire Chief Luis Valdez, Councilman Jeff Beehler, Stella Calvillo, Mayor Al Suarez, City Manager Le Ann Piatt, Congressman Henry Cuellar |