Scio, Ore. – The Scio Rural Fire Protection District will receive a $1.19 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. The funding, announced by U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum on Tuesday, is intended to improve firefighter safety, expand recruitment and retain volunteers in the rural district.
Local leaders praise the investment
Scio Fire Chief Kevin White explained that rising operational costs often force small districts to choose between immediate emergency response needs and long‑term staffing. “As costs continue to rise faster than available revenue, small fire districts like ours face difficult choices about how to best use limited resources,” White said. “This grant is an important investment in the future of our department and our community.”
Rep. Bynum emphasized the practical impact of the grant for residents. “When you call 911, you shouldn’t have to wonder if there are enough firefighters to answer,” she said. “This $1.19 million is a big deal for Scio, Jefferson and the communities they serve. It means more support for the people running toward emergencies and a stronger response when our neighbors need help most.”
Regional support and broader SAFER awards
Albany Fire Chief Chris LaBelle noted that SAFER grants enable fire districts to expand preventative safety services alongside emergency response. “A community our size, with the growth and unique industries we have, requires a more proactive approach to risk reduction,” LaBelle said.
Redmond Fire Chief Ryan Herrera highlighted the grant’s role in addressing firefighter health risks, including occupational cancer exposures. He thanked Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden for their advocacy. “With members of our organization having navigated a past cancer diagnosis and the recent loss of Firefighter‑Paramedic Michael Kienzle to a line‑of‑duty cancer, this funding marks another meaningful step forward in our commitment to carcinogen reduction and long‑term health and safety,” Herrera said.
Other Pacific Northwest districts receive SAFER funding
FEMA also awarded SAFER grants to several other departments: Boise Fire Department in Idaho received more than $2.3 million; South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in Port Orchard, Wash., and Spokane County Fire District 9 in Mead, Wash., each received more than $1.7 million; Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District in Oregon was awarded more than $1.1 million; and North Whidbey Fire and Rescue in Oak Harbor, Wash., received $1 million.
The Scio grant will help the district grow its volunteer membership, purchase needed equipment and sustain high‑quality emergency services for the community.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
