Daily Democrat - Woodland Fire Department awarded $1.2M grant

The grant will help fund positions that "were lost due to attrition and remained vacant in response to the fiscal challenges that have impacted Woodland and all local governments," Deven said in a news release.

With the city struggling economically, Mayor Art Pimentel -- and other officials -- welcomed the grant with open arms.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community to increase our fire safety personnel at a time when we struggle to recover from one of the worst recessions in recent memory," Pimentel said in the release.

Added City Councilwoman Martie Dote: "In these tough economic times, it is gratifying that the hard work of city staff and Congressman (Mike) Thompson's office were able to secure federal funds to help keep our citizens safe."

Deven said there will be an application process to hire the new firefighters.

Thompson, D-St. Helena, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency notified the city Friday that the community and fire department had been chosen as recipients of the Assistance to Firefighters grant, according to the release. The grant is part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER).

Thompson said he is proud the Woodland department was able to get the funds to improve the city's fire emergency response team.

"We can't choose when the next fire or natural disaster will strike," the congressman said, "but we can take steps to make sure our fire departments are as prepared as possible.

"Thanks to this grant funding, our firefighters and first responders will have the resources they need to keep our community safe."