The application period for the FY 2010 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program (SAFER) is now open. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released grant guidance and application materials at www.firegrantsupport.com. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. EST.

SAFER grants provide funding directly to fire departments and statewide or local volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to increase the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities. SAFER grants have been used in a variety of innovative ways to help volunteer departments with their retention and recruitment programs. Click here for information about retention and recruitment projects SAFER has funded. Grants can also be used for the hiring of career firefighters.

Find the Program Guidance, applicant tutorial, grant application, and more on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Web site at www.firegrantsupport.com/safer.