At the end of last week, U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., announced that Clay County is getting almost $2.8 million in federal funds.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are sending $2,778,696 to the county through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Award grant.
“The grant assists fire departments in increasing the number of firefighters to meet industry minimum standards and attaining 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards,” Cammack’s office announced. “The grant program permits hiring activity that includes new firefighters, additional firefighters, the rehiring of laid-off firefighters, and/or the retention of firefighters facing layoffs.”
“As the wife of a first responder and proud supporter of our emergency response community, I’m thrilled that Clay County has received this grant,” said Cammack on Friday. “The pandemic has added additional stress to our fire departments, which have faced staffing difficulties with increased community demands. These funds will help Clay County hire top talent to ensure the best possible service for the county.”
“Having been through an exhausting and tragic 2020, this much-needed manpower through the SAFER grant will breathe new life into our strained system!” said David Motes, the acting fire chief and assistant county manager with the Clay County Department of Public Safety. “Thank you to Congresswoman Cammack for all of her support of our first responders.”
First elected to Congress in November after her longtime boss then U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., retired, Cammack represents parts of North Florida ranging from Clay County outside of Jacksonville to Gainesville and the northern part of Marion County.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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