Number: RL33375
Title: Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response: The SAFER Grant Program
Authors: Lennard G. Kruger, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Facing the 110th Congress was the issue of whether or not - and if so, to what extent - the SAFER program should be funded. The Administration has consistently requested no funding for SAFER, arguing that localities should be solely responsible for funding firefighting personnel. Fire service advocates counter that the inability of many local fire departments to meet minimum standards for personnel levels could lead to inadequate response to different types of emergency incidents, substandard response times, and an increased risk of firefighter fatalities.
Pages: 10
Date: October 10, 2008