Senator Conrad Welcomes Fargo Fire Fighter Recruits

June 23, 2009 – North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad met new recruits hired by the Fargo Fire Department with funding through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. “Our fire fighters are the bravest of the brave," says Conrad. "They risk their lives every day to protect our community and save lives -- from fighting fires to assisting with flood preparations, to helping with all types of emergencies. They have earned our respect and deserve all the support we can provide.”

“Fire trucks and equipment do not extinguish fires or rescue people,” says Fargo Local 642 President Ron Guggisberg. "It takes fire fighters -- well trained fire fighters -- strategically located throughout the city to answer your call in minutes.”

The Bush administration repeatedly tried to eliminate the SAFER grant program, but Senator Conrad, chair of the Senate Budget Committee, helped restore proposed cuts in the budgets he authored for the nation in 2008 and 2009. President Obama has proposed doubling the funding for the SAFER program in 2010.

Congress voted June 18 to allow the use of SAFER funding to rehire laid-off fire fighters and prevent fire department staffing reductions. The new rules make funding available to help keep IAFF members safe and on the job and bring back those who have been laid off as a result of the current financial crisis. The IAFF has prepared FAQs to make sure affiliates understand the changes and apply for SAFER grants. 

“It is vital that we ensure our fire departments are adequately staffed to protect our communities and keep us safe," says Conrad. "When that alarm sounds we need to know help is on the way. The SAFER program plays a crucial role in ensuring our fire departments have the resources they need to get the job done.”