By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK – Fire Chief Mike Prinz announced Oct. 26 that the fire department was awarded a $3.2 million Federal Emergency Management Agency Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER Grant.
The city council approved acceptance of the grant.
The money, which is awarded over a three-year period, would allow the fire department to hire up to 10 additional firefighter/paramedics, which he said represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the department’s staffing, improve emergency response capabilities and enhance the safety of residents and firefighters.
Prinz said that while the award represents a tremendous opportunity, it is essential that city officials understanding the financial commitments and long-term responsibilities associated with the grant.
He said that SAFER Grants are intended to help fire departments increase staffing and improve their ability to meet recognized emergency response and firefighter safety standards.
“For Lincoln Park, additional personnel would improve our ability to assemble adequate firefighting crews, maintain operational readiness, and respond to the increasing demands placed on our department,” Prinz said. “These benefits are particularly important as we prepare for anticipated retirements and continue to address the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified firefighters and paramedics.”
He said adding up to 10 new firefighter/paramedics would provide an opportunity to bring new energy, youthful enthusiasm and fresh perspectives into the department.
“These new members would work alongside our experienced personnel, allowing us to pass on valuable knowledge, skills and traditions while building the next generation of firefighters and paramedics,” Prinz said. “This investment would not only strengthen our current operations but also help position the department for long-term success.”
The fire chief said the grant provides federal support over a three-year period, with an estimated city contribution of approximately $1.2 million over that same period, subject to final grant requirements and actual eligible costs, and that accepting the award will require careful planning to ensure the city can meet the financial obligations.
Prinz said another important consideration is the current shortage of qualified firefighter/paramedics in Michigan.
“Recruiting and retaining personnel remains a significant challenge for fire departments throughout the state, including Southeast Michigan,” he said. “Successfully recruiting and hiring all 10 positions will be a challenging undertaking; however, I believe it is an achievable goal with a focused recruitment effort and a competitive hiring process.”
Prinz said the department must also recognize that the availability of qualified candidates and the timing of recruitment will influence how quickly the fire department can fill the positions.
“The opportunity to secure this level of federal funding is significant,” he said. “Declining the award would mean forfeiting an important opportunity to improve our staffing and emergency response capabilities.
“By accepting the grant and managing its implementation responsibly, we can make a meaningful investment in public safety while maintaining appropriate fiscal oversight.”