By Staff Report
Holmes County Fire Rescue recently announced it has been awarded a $638,000 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The funding will be distributed over three years and is intended to support firefighter recruitment and retention efforts, firefighter gear and equipment, training, staffing and the continued strengthening of the county’s volunteer fire service.
The announcement comes just months after the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) assumed oversight of Holmes County Fire Rescue in June. According to officials, securing additional funding for the department became a priority following the transition.
“I want to personally thank everyone who played a part in making this grant possible,” said HCSO Sheriff John Tate in the announcement. “It takes a team to bring these resources home, and we are going to continue working hard to find additional funding and opportunities to make Holmes County Fire Rescue stronger.”
Tate also expressed gratitude to Holmes County firefighters for their continued service to the community.
GARETT VALCOURT 