(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant to help support two fire departments in Southern Colorado. The funding, which was given to the Tri-County and Edison fire departments, will support the recruitment and retention of new volunteer firefighters for the next two years. “We are incredibly grateful to FEMA for its generous support through the SAFER GrantProgram,” said Edison Fire Chief Mark Anderson. “This funding will help us meet thegrowing demands of our community. Congratulations and thank you to our dedicatedgrant-writing team." The SAFER Grant Program will help the local fire departments meet the staffing, response, and operational standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The grant hopes to staff Edison or Tri-State County Fire Station with at least two firefighters/EMTs eight hours a day, five days a week when other volunteers are typically unavailable. Edison Fire said by having personnel at the station, the Edison and Tri-County community will "immediately" recognize a 20-minute reduction in response time. The grant will be allocated over two years. "With these additional personnel, we can improve our response times and ensure thatwe are equipped to handle emergencies effectively and safely,” said Tri-County FireChief Mark Stanwood. “We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety,and this funding is a significant step in that direction.” New volunteer recruits who are willing to make a two-year commitment to the department will receive Firefighter 1 and EMT certification at no cost to them. Anyone interested in volunteering can also contact Tri-County Fire Chief Mark Stanwood and Edison Fire Recruiting Coordinator Aaron Hicks. Volunteers can earn up to $13,500 per year in nominal stipend by staffing stations for shifts and attending training.