The city of Aurora has received a federal grant of more than $800,000 to help fund a fourth battalion chief for the growing Aurora Fire Rescue department. This is the second consecutive year Aurora Fire Rescue has received funding from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Our department recognizes the importance of appropriate staffing for our developing city,” said Fire Chief Fernando Gray. “Finding alternative funding sources to accomplish this mission is critical to providing excellent service. We are grateful that Aurora Fire Rescue has been selected for a second consecutive year to receive this grant funding.”
The money will help fund an added fourth Battalion Chief position in the city, allowing Aurora Fire Rescue to safely manage two moderately complex incidents in the city simultaneously. These chief officers provide leadership during critical events, enhancing firefighter safety and oversight. Currently, each Battalion Chief oversees approximately 41 members within their area of responsibility which stretches their span of control and ability to ensure adequate supervision. A fourth position will reduce this number to 31 members each and will help address the supervisory challenges the agency currently faces.
The SAFER program is a federal cost-match grant for hiring (salaries and benefits only). The total amount of the award is spread over three years with $328,208 in the first two years and $153,164 in year three. This is the second consecutive year Aurora Fire Rescue will receive SAFER Grant funding to support emergency services provided in Colorado’s third largest city.