MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Fire Department has been awarded a $1 million grant to hire three firefighters for three years.
The Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant, given by FEMA, pays for 100% of three service members benefits, including a salary, pension, and insurance for three years, Chief Chad Christopher said.
After those three years are complete, the fire department can reapply for the grant for an additional three years or the city would take full responsibility of paying those additional servicemen.
The department expects to reapply for the staffing grant, Safety Service Director Richard Dzik said.
“We had an increase in runs every year,” the fire chief said. “Always looking toward the future of what’s the next few years going to look like. We know Mount Vernon is going to grow.”
Christopher also sees an increase in projected runs alongside an increase of population, saying they go “hand in hand.”
The department has 180 days to hire with the end date around April 1, 2023, the fire chief said.
With College Township added to the fire department’s service map, calls have increased this year with 4,526 as of Sept. 30, Christopher said. The same timeframe last year calls were 4,316.
