Rep. Mike Thompson Announces Over $720,000 in Grant Funding for Lake County Fire Department

Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today announced that the South Lake County Fire Protection District in Middletown will receive $724,909 in grant funding to help hire firefighters. The funds, which are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, will preserve public safety and create good-paying jobs in the Lake County community.

“The economic downturn has created significant burdens for fire departments in Northern California and across the country,” said Rep. Thompson. “Many communities have had no choice but to lay off firefighters and other emergency personnel, despite the threat to public safety. The generous funding provided through the SAFER program will not only improve the South Lake County Fire Protection District's ability to respond to fire hazards, but also improve our community's overall level of preparedness.”

“Congressman Thompson's efforts in helping to secure these grant funds underscore his commitment to public safety,” said Jim Wright, Assistant Chief of the South Lake County Fire Protection District. “This SAFER grant will help protect the health and safety of the citizens in our district.

Nationwide, the SAFER program provides approximately $420 million in competitive grants to fire departments and volunteer firefighter support groups. The objective of the program is to help these departments increase the number of trained, frontline firefighters available in their communities. Grant funds may be used to recruit and retain new firefighters, or to rehire firefighters who were laid-off due to the economy.