By Kim Minugh
clocke@sacbee.com
Sacramento area fire officials gathered this morning to announce they have been awarded $11 million in federal grant money - funds that will pay for 51 additional firefighters.
Most significantly, the grant will allow the Sacramento Fire Department to hire 27 firefighters and restore the two companies that have been "browned out" as a result of budget cuts.
The city department is receiving $5.6 million, according to authorities.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District will hire 24 firefighters with the $5.4 million that agency is receiving.
Officials from both agencies said the money would improve response times and reduce firefighter workload, resulting in better-rested firefighters on the front line and less overtime.
"This is a great day for (both agencies)," said Metro fire Chief Bill Sponable. "Clearly, public safety is a winner here."
Rep. Doris Matsui of Sacramento, who helped secure the federal funds, was on hand at this morning's press conference. She said the grant is "wonderful news" for the entire Sacramento region.
"We all know firefighters are on the front lines," she said. "Their service to us all is immeasurable and irreplaceable."
The money came from the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.
Photo credit: Sacramento Fire Chief Ray Jones, Rep. Doris Matsui and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Chief Bill Sponable this morning announce $11 million in federal grant funding for the two fire agencies. The money will be used to hire 51 firefighters. Kim Minugh, Sacramento Bee
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