SJC Receives Over $11 Million in Federal and State Funding to Enhance Public Safety and Community Services
- 18 October 2024
- Category: SJC News Legislative Affairs Public Safety
- Tags: 2024
October 18, 2024 – St. Johns County is proud to announce a significant advancement in public safety and community services with the award of $7.1 million for additional firefighters and $4 million for the construction of the new Hastings Library and Community Center.
The $7.1 million from the FEMA Staffing for Adequate Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants Program will allow for the hiring of 21 additional firefighters and will cover the total cost of salary and benefits for three years, bolstering emergency response capabilities in alignment with National Fire Safety Standards.
The new firefighters will be stationed at a forthcoming fire station in the southwest region of St. Johns County and will support the operation of additional tanker trucks, ensuring a robust water supply during emergency fire operations. This expansion will improve response times, increase staffing, and enhance service delivery to residents and visitors.
“St. Johns County Fire Rescue is always there and always ready to help our community, especially in a time of crisis,” said U.S. Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05). “That’s why I was proud to help secure $7.1 million from the SAFER Grants Program to help hire an additional 21 firefighters to staff a new fire station in St. Johns County. St. Johns County is experiencing huge growth, and this valuable funding will help our first responders get where they need to go, when they need to get there, and save lives.”
In addition to the SAFER grant, St. Johns County Fire Rescue was also awarded the Technical Assistance Grant from the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, totaling $50,489. This grant will be used to purchase a natural gas pipeline fire training simulator. In partnership with TECO Peoples Gas, firefighters will receive comprehensive training to enhance their emergency response skills to these types of incidents.
“Our fire rescue personnel train to respond to dangerous incidents that threaten the lives of our First Coast community, including natural gas pipeline fires,” said U.S. Congressman John Rutherford. “That’s why I was proud to help St. Johns County Fire Rescue secure over $50 thousand from the prestigious Technical Assistance Grants Program. Simulators like these will help improve fire rescue training and response effectiveness. As Co-Chair of the House Modeling and Simulation Caucus, I am glad to see SJC Fire Rescue will be able to utilize state-of-the-art simulators to enhance their training.”
The St. Johns County Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, in partnership with St. Johns County Public Library System, Health and Human Services, and Public Works, has secured a competitive $4 million grant from Florida Commerce to support the construction of the Hastings Library and Community Center. This project will create vital community resources, including classrooms, multi-purpose spaces, telehealth rooms, and a food pantry.
“This is a great example of how County staff are working to identify innovative ways to fund our critical infrastructure projects,” St. Johns County Chair Sarah Arnold said. “The Hastings Library and Community Center will provide essential services to the Hastings area, fostering education, health, and community engagement.”
St. Johns County is committed to improving public safety and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The $11.5 million in competitive awards secured by the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in September of 2024 reflects the County’s dedication and continued investment in community-focused services.