Naperville gets SAFER grant
Can cooler cover water bottle,can cooler cover water,foam can cooler cover Huaian Boshi Sports Products Co.,Ltd , https://www.cnboshisports.com
June 01 10:04:11, 2025
The Daily Herald recently published an article highlighting the significant achievement of the Naperville Fire Department, which was awarded a SAFER grant totaling over $1 million. This funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aims to support staffing efforts through salary and benefit assistance over the next two years.
According to Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis, the grant will enable the department to address the challenges posed by recent attrition. Currently, there are six vacant firefighter/paramedic positions and two vacant administrative roles within the department. With this funding, the department hopes to hire three new firefighter/paramedics to fill these gaps.
Chief Puknaitis emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels, stating, “It’s a million dollars, and it’s something that is going to help us maintain our staffing levels in the fire department.†These newly recruited firefighter/paramedics will join the 185 operations personnel already working in three 24-hour shifts.
The SAFER grant requires the city to maintain its current staffing levels and the additional positions for the full two-year duration of the funding. Recruitment must commence within 90 days of receiving the grant, and approximately 2,500 fire departments nationwide applied for this opportunity, with only 300 to 350 receiving it.
In another report from the Naperville Sun, the city's firefighting agency once again found itself on the receiving end of generous federal support. The grant, worth $1,002,000, comes through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program administered by FEMA. Local lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), played a key role in securing this funding.
Chief Puknaitis explained that the department had anticipated this wave of retirements due to the hiring surge during the city’s rapid expansion in the late '70s and early '80s. As a result, the number of fire stations grew from three to ten. He pointed out that while the new recruits may have less experience, the funding ensures that the department can sustain its operational capacity.
This financial boost is particularly crucial given the department’s ongoing commitment to cost management. “We need to have the funding to replace them,†Puknaitis reiterated, underscoring the significance of securing grants whenever possible. Importantly, the grant cannot be used for infrastructure improvements or equipment purchases; it is strictly earmarked for personnel and benefits.
“This kind of money doesn’t come easily,†Puknaitis remarked, expressing gratitude for the recognition of their efforts. “A million bucks over two years is huge.â€
As always, feedback from community members like Dan and Chris continues to highlight the importance of supporting local first responders. Many appreciate the department’s dedication and acknowledge the vital role they play in ensuring public safety.