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Westland gets $2.3 million grant to hire 13 new firefighters

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Posted at 10:42 AM, Oct 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-08 10:42:12-04

WESTLAND, Mich. (WXYZ) — The city of Westland has been the awarded a federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to hire 13 new firefighters. Westland is the second city in metro Detroit to receive the grant.

According to the city, the grant is for nearly $2.4 million, and will help hire 13 firefighters for three years. It includes a city match funding portion of 25 percent in years one and two, and 65 percent in the third year.

The city said it gives Westland the opportunity to hire 13 firefighters at an average cost of 38 percent over three years.

"There is no doubt that the additional manpower awarded through the SAFER grant will play a vital role in increasing the efficiency of the fire department to continue to provide the excellent service Westland residents deserve," commented Westland Fire Chief, Michael Stradtner. "It is our intention to begin hiring as soon as possible and take full advantage of this 'big win' for the City of Westland.

"These grants are very competitive as communities across the county are faced with difficulties adequately staffing their public safety departments," commented Mayor Bill Wild. "Westland is fortunate for this opportunity to ensure the fire department can continue to deliver the service residents have to come to expect and deserve."