October 16, 2025
Lake County Fire Rescue Secures $7.5 Million Grant for 36 New Firefighters
By Cindy Peterson
Lake County Fire Rescue Secures $7.5 Million Grant for 36 New Firefighters
Lake County Fire Rescue has been awarded $7.5 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security / FEMA. This funding will go towards hiring 36 new firefighters.
Created by Congress, the SAFER program helps local fire departments increase the number of trained, full-time firefighters by funding salaries and benefits. It supports national staffing standards while easing the financial burden on local taxpayers.
The SAFER Grant will cover the majority of the total cost of salary and benefits for three years, helping keep emergency response capabilities in alignment with National Fire Safety Standards. This expansion will improve response times, increase staffing, and enhance service delivery to residents and visitors.
“Receiving this grant represents a major investment in Lake County Fire Rescue’s ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency response capabilities,” says Lake County Public Safety Director David Kilbury. “By adding 36 new firefighter positions, we are enhancing our ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies across Lake County.”
LCFR is actively hiring Firefighters and Fire/Paramedics. LCFR plans to begin onboarding within the next several months. For more information on how to join Lake County Fire Rescue, visit their website.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
