As the city of Broken Arrow grows, its fire department is getting bigger as well. A $2.9 million grant is funding 12 new firefighters.The peace and quiet brought Don Paige to a Broken Arrow fishing hole, but if an emergency happens, he says hes glad there will be more firefighters to respond.Its really nice to have increased first responders that would help in any kind of disaster emergencies that could happen, said Don Paige. RELATED >>> Broken Arrow Fire Department distributes smoke detectorsHes lived in Broken Arrow for the last 25 years and has seen the growth in neighborhoods and businesses firsthand.I think thats great, said Paige. Along with economic growth and population growth, we also need first responder growth as well to help fit the community needs.Broken Arrow City Council formally accepted the grant at its meeting on Sept. 17.Hiring 12 firefighters, well be able to add four firefighters per shift, and that will help us keep our overtime costs down and the city manage attrition, said Fire Chief Jeremy Moore.Heres a breakdown of the three-year grant. 2 News asked Chief Moore what happens to salaries and the firefighter positions after the grant is over.At the end of the grant performance period, the city has the option to seek out additional SAFER grants that will keep them on staff and can pay for them through other SAFER grants, said Chief Moore. Well also have the ability to sunset the positions if we dont feel like the need persists. Lastly, were hoping our economic development efforts and the growth of the community that well be able to absorb these firefighter salaries right within our fire department funds.With continued growth in the community, Chief Moore says its unlikely theyll need to sunset those jobs. This is actually the third grant the fire department has gotten in the last nine years to increase staff. Previous coverage >>> Broken Arrow Fire Department hires 20 firefighters in less than two yearsIts about 5 and a half million dollars worth of grants over the last 9 years from our federal government, said Chief Moore. Were really glad to brig those federal tax dollars back home to our community.Over the last nine years, the grants have helped the department grow by 32 firefighters.For Paige, he says its a positive sign for the community he calls home.It makes me feel proud, said Paige. Real happy to live here.The department is currently in the process of hiring the 12 officers. They also have a few vacancies to fill. For the January academy, theyll likely have 15-20 firefighters participating.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram SUBSCRIBE on YouTube