Federal Grant Means 15 New Firefighters for Shreveport, Louisiana

A $1.1 million federal grant awarded to the Shreveport (Louisiana) Fire Department could result in as many as 15 new front-line firefighters being hired in September.

Fire Chief Brian Crawford announced that the grant is expected to result in 12 of the city’s busiest fire trucks, on average, to be staffed with a fourth firefighter.

The Times reported that increasing the number of firefighters from three to four per engine company, results in the company being 14 percent more effective and efficient.

The two-year grant – awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration – will cover all expenses related to the new hires’ employment.

The only catch is that the Fire Department must keep them on for an additional year at city expense.

Information from: The Times