Congratulations to the Cocoa Beach Fire Department! This Florida fire service organization worked with First Responder Grants on an application for the Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER).
The department had been operating short-staffed since 2009, when they lost positions due to the economic crisis at that time.
Despite an annual call volume increase, Cocoa Beach FD has had to continue operating without sufficient staffing. The department has experienced a 40% increase in OT since 2018, just to keep engines at minimum staffing.
On Feb. 24, 2023, FEMA announced that Cocoa Beach FD had been awarded a SAFER grant. Cocoa Beach FD will receive a $1,077,790 SAFER Grant, and they will use the funds to add 6 new personnel. These 6 new personnel will be assigned to the engines and will bring the department closer to meeting NFPA 1710 staffing recommendations for engine companies.
The increase in safety to the department members and community is unquestionable.