Naperville gets SAFER grant
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June 01 10:19:51, 2025
The Daily Herald recently published an article highlighting how the Naperville Fire Department secured a significant SAFER grant. According to the report, maintaining adequate staffing levels is no easy feat, involving constant adjustments to personnel numbers, hours, and resources. However, Chief Mark Puknaitis received some welcome news with the announcement of over $1 million in federal grant funding aimed at covering salaries and benefits over the next two years. This generous allocation came courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under their SAFER initiative, which focuses on ensuring sufficient fire and emergency response staffing.
Chief Puknaitis mentioned that these funds will likely enable his department to recruit three firefighter/paramedics. These new hires aim to address the gap created by recent retirements and attrition, which has left six firefighter/paramedic roles and two administrative positions unfilled. "This grant is vital because it provides us with much-needed financial support to sustain our current staffing levels," Puknaitis emphasized.
Firefighter/paramedics brought on board using the SAFER grant funds—totaling $1,002,000—will join the operations division. Currently, Naperville’s operations division comprises 185 personnel divided into three rotating 24-hour shifts. The chief plans to collaborate closely with the city's finance team to establish a budget that determines precisely how many additional firefighter/paramedics can be recruited. Recruitment efforts must commence within 90 days following the receipt of the grant, and the city is obligated to retain both existing staffing levels and newly hired positions throughout the two-year grant period.
Puknaitis pointed out that approximately 2,500 fire departments nationwide applied for the SAFER grants, yet only around 300 to 350 were fortunate enough to receive them.
Separately, the Naperville Sun reported similar developments. Naperville’s firefighting agency has been awarded over $1 million in federal grant money, thanks to the efforts of local representatives such as U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). The SAFER program, administered by FEMA, supports fire departments facing financial challenges that might lead to layoffs or hinder recruitment. Foster highlighted the importance of equipping first responders with the necessary resources to ensure community safety.
According to Chief Puknaitis, the Naperville Fire Department had submitted an application for SAFER funds last year. Presently, the department faces six vacancies in its operations division, with several long-serving firefighters nearing retirement. This trend aligns with historical patterns; during the city’s rapid expansion phase in the late '70s and early '80s, large cohorts of firefighters were recruited to meet growing demands. Consequently, the number of fire stations grew from three to ten, reflecting the evolving needs of the community.
"While the incoming recruits may require lower initial investments, they lack the extensive experience accumulated by those departing the field," Puknaitis remarked. He stressed that securing grants is a strategic priority for his department, as it strengthens his case when advocating for additional staffing in budgets. "Receiving awards like this significantly bolsters our ability to justify new hires," he explained.
The grant, spanning two years, strictly mandates expenditure on personnel and benefits. Investments in infrastructure improvements or equipment purchases are prohibited. "A million dollars spread over two years is unprecedented," Puknaitis noted. "Such allocations aren't handed out indiscriminately."
Finally, a brief aside questioned the phrasing "firefighting agency," suggesting a more straightforward term could suffice. Yet, regardless of terminology, the underlying sentiment remains clear: the SAFER grant represents a substantial boost for Naperville’s firefighting capabilities, enhancing readiness and preparedness for emergencies.