EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The City of El Paso Fire Department has been awarded more than $4.4 million in federal funding to enhance public safety through expanded staffing and upgraded emergency response capabilities.<\/p>\n
The majority of the funding comes from a $4.26 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. <\/p>\n
The SAFER Grant will fund 21 new entry-level firefighter positions to help the department meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for emergency response times and staffing levels. <\/p>\n
The new firefighters will serve the planned Far East El Paso fire station, which is anticipated to open in 2026.<\/p>\n
As our city continues to grow, especially in Far East El Paso, it\u2019s critical that we ensure every resident receives the same high level of safety and service,\u201d said Mayor Renard U. Johnson. \u201cThis investment strengthens our fire department and reflects our continued commitment to protecting lives and property across all corners of our community.<\/p>\n
The new Far East fire station will be located 2.5 miles from the nearest facility and will house both a front-line fire engine and an ambulance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis grant is another example of how we\u2019re planning strategically to meet the needs of our growing city while being fiscally responsible,\u201d said City Manager Dionne Mack. \u201cBy securing federal funding to expand our emergency response network, we\u2019re reducing the local financial burden and ensuring residents across El Paso can continue to count on timely, professional service when it matters most.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to the SAFER award, EPFD\u2019s Special Operations Division received a $159,565 FY26 Border Zone Grant to purchase specialized extrication equipment that supports complex rescue and border security operations.<\/p>\n
The new equipment will enhance EPFD\u2019s ability to respond to incidents such as confined-space rescues, catastrophic vehicle accidents, and high-speed pursuits.<\/p>\n
El Paso police also got a federal grant of $2.5 million to hire new officers and strengthen the department’s relationship with the community.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso police get $2.25M federal grant to hire officers, boost community relations<\/a><\/p>\n