At its Oct. 20 meeting, the Frisco City Council took two major steps to strengthen the city’s fire protection services. First, council members voted to accept a nearly $2.6 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s SAFER program. The funding will cover base salaries and standard benefits for twelve new firefighter‑paramedic positions over three years, enabling the department to staff a fourth frontline fire truck slated for delivery in fall 2027.
FEMA SAFER grant details
The SAFER grant is designed to help communities maintain or increase the number of trained, frontline firefighters. Frisco’s grant agreement requires the city to contribute a portion of eligible personnel costs each year, while the fire department will absorb any ineligible expenses—such as overtime and supplemental pay—through its operating budget. City documents note that the grant will not fund overtime, supplemental pay, or certain operating costs.
Interim Fire Chief Clay Carpenter expressed enthusiasm, noting the last SAFER award was received in 2018 to staff Station 9. “We’re very excited to get these 12 firefighters on board and get them trained up and get them to work,” Carpenter said. The new fire truck, to be built by Pierce Engineering, will serve the city’s north side, further expanding response capabilities.
Shift‑schedule study funded
In addition to the staffing grant, the council approved a $133,535 purchase order for a collaborative study with East Texas A&M University. The research will evaluate alternatives to the department’s current 24‑hour‑on, 48‑hour‑off schedule. The proposed alternative follows a repeating cycle of 24 hours on duty, 72 hours off, 48 hours on duty, and another 72 hours off.
The study will track 59 volunteer firefighters using specialized laboratory equipment over a one‑year period. Chief Carpenter highlighted that 107 Frisco firefighters have volunteered to participate, reflecting a broader movement within the fire service to explore schedules that better balance home and work life. “By capturing all those data points, we can then get with our firefighters and city manager to determine what the best path forward is based off the study that’s specific to Frisco,” he said.
Impact on the community
Both initiatives underscore Frisco’s commitment to public safety and to supporting the families of first‑responders. By securing federal resources and investing in evidence‑based scheduling, the city aims to ensure rapid emergency response while also addressing the well‑being of its firefighters—an essential component of a strong, family‑focused community.
The council’s actions align with the city’s broader budget priorities for 2026‑27, which include maintaining essential services and investing in infrastructure that benefits residents across the city.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Frisco — read the source article.
