Milton, KY – The Milton Fire Department announced it has received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant worth almost $400,000. The funding is earmarked to recruit new volunteers, retain existing members, and provide essential equipment and incentives.
Grant details and intended impact
Fire Chief Ben Webb, a 21‑year volunteer with the department, explained that the grant will cover required physical examinations, new protective gear for recruits, and bonuses for firefighters who respond to calls, attend training, and complete certifications. “You see across the nation that numbers for volunteer fire departments are down, and we hope this gets our numbers back up to where we want them to be,” Webb said.
Currently, Milton’s fire department consists of 22 volunteers. With the four‑year grant period, Webb aims to double that number, ensuring the department can continue serving the community, which it has done since its founding in 1964.
Local significance
The grant arrives after several years of unsuccessful applications for similar federal assistance. “I think for the past five to six years, we’ve put in for grants like this, or similar FEMA grants, and this is the first one we’ve got in a while,” Webb noted.
Beyond bolstering headcount, the grant is intended to prepare the next generation of firefighters. Webb emphasized the personal nature of his service, stating, “It’s more of a calling than a job for me. I love every minute of it.” He added, “I don’t want to see it dwindle down to nothing when I go to leave. I need to be training up new recruits to one day replace me.”
Community response
Local residents expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the vital role volunteer firefighters play in protecting homes and businesses. The additional resources are expected to improve response times and overall public safety in Milton and surrounding areas.
By securing the SAFER grant, Milton joins a nationwide effort to strengthen volunteer fire services, which have faced staffing challenges in recent years. The department’s proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to preserving a critical public‑safety institution for future generations.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
