FEMA SAFER Grant Expands Fire Department Staffing
The City of Shakopee was awarded a $2.6 million Federal Emergency Response Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant to hire 12 full-time firefighters.
The funding, provided in part by the Department of Homeland Security, will allow the Shakopee Fire Department to expand coverage, improve response times, and staff Fire Station 2 with full-time personnel for the first time.
| Watch SAFER Grant Video | Read the 2024 Year in Review |
Why It Matters
- Faster Response Times: With more full-time fire staff and two fully-staffed stations, emergency response for medical and fire calls will be faster across Shakopee.
- Improved Staff Safety: More staff means safer operations for firefighters and better outcomes for community members.
- Long-Term Planning: The grant funding helps the City grow the Fire Department incrementally and sustainably to meet the needs of a growing community without overburdening taxpayers.
- Increased Capacity: Since 2018, the department's annual call volume has more than doubled (from 910 calls in 2018 to 1,938 calls in 2024), while staffing has decreased. More staff means an increased capacity to effectively manage this volume of calls.
What's Changing
- 12 added full-time fire staff: 3 battalion chiefs, 3 captains, 6 firefighters
- Full-time staffing at Fire Station 2
- Around-the-clock coverage from both fire stations
- Expanded emergency medical and fire response capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
SAFER stands for "Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response." The grant is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency with the goal of helping local fire departments hire and retain firefighters.
In Shakopee's case, the grant totals $2.6 million over three years.
FEMA covers 75% of the salary and benefit costs during the first two years and 35% the third year, with the City gradually taking on a larger share of the cost. After that, the City assumes full funding for the positions.
This phased approach allows Shakopee to expand its fire staffing responsibly, meeting community needs now while planning sustainably for the future.
FEMA covers 75% of the salary and benefit costs during the first two years and 35% the third year, with the City gradually taking on a larger share of the cost. After that, the City assumes full funding for the positions.
This phased approach allows Shakopee to expand its fire staffing responsibly, meeting community needs now while planning sustainably for the future.
Residents can expect faster response times to medical and fire calls, increased emergency capacity, and overall improved public safety.
The hiring process begins in late fall 2025, with onboarding and training expected in 2026.
If you're interested in viewing openings, check out the City's Employment page.
If you're interested in viewing openings, check out the City's Employment page.
Once the grant period ends, the positions added with the support of grant funding will remain active within the Shakopee Fire Department. These positions will not end when the awarded grant funding concludes.