LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Latham Fire Department has received a more than $426,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The money will reportedly go toward staffing and firefighter safety improvements.
The funds — which totaled $426,838.56 — were allocated through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program. The initiative aims to provide direct financial assistance to fire departments across the country to ensure that each community has an adequate amount of well-trained, front-line firefighters.
According to Latham Fire Chief William Childs, the department will use the money to hire four new full-time firefighters. The additions will reportedly strengthen daily operations, response capacity and mutual aid operations.
“With this SAFER award, we can ensure that Latham remains fully staffed and ready to respond at any hour,” Childs said. “Adding these new firefighters means faster response times, safer working conditions for our crews, and greater protection for the families, businesses and schools we serve.”
Founded in 1910, the Latham Fire Department serves about 21,000 residents in Latham and Colonie. The department has two stations, located on Old Loudon Road and Watervliet-Shaker Road.
