Press Release

Elk Grove, CA – Rep. Ami Bera (CA-7) and Fire Chief Mike McLaughlin announced a multi-million dollar Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant today for the Cosumnes Fire Department. The SAFER grant, totaling $1,947,191, will hire eight additional Cosumnes firefighters.

"State and local firefighters are the frontline of public safety," said Rep. Ami Bera. "These men and women put their life on the line and it's critical that we support them every way we can. First responders work tirelessly to meet the needs of the community and this funding for new staff will significantly reduce injuries and illness, overtime costs, and increase response time. This is great news for Sacramento County."

"The SAFER grant will be an enormous asset for our Department and we are grateful to FEMA for these funds restoring much-needed positions lost during the economic downturn," said Cosumnes Fire Chief Mike McLaughlin. "The grant will fund new personnel and will enhance the safety of our community and our firefighters. More firefighters reduce the need for mandatory overtime and add flexibility to our force."

This $1.94 million dollar grant is part of over five million dollars awarded to Sacramento County by the Department of Homeland Security this year. The grants also follow a $3,742,000 dollar grant to Mather Airport earlier this year.