San Jose considers federal grant to fund firefighters
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Firefighters are often seen as the classic American hero. They are the first responders when you're in need.
But despite what the job title says, when the economy tanked and the budget axe fell, even heroes got pink slips.
The San Jose Fire Department interim fire chief is going before the San Jose City Council on Tuesday to ask them to pass a resolution authorizing the city manager to apply for a two-year, $3.3 million FEMA/DHS grant that would help restore 14 firefighter positions.
But every deal has a catch.
The money goes away after two years and the city is on the hook for paying for these firefighters and resources, forcing the city to dip into its own pocket to keep them on the job. That's more than $3 million annually.
According to a recent memo by interim Fire Chief Curtis Jacobson, the SJFD had 198 total daily staffing on July 1, 2010. Today it's at 172.
Jacobson is recommending the council approve a resolution to apply for the two-year federal grant.
David Vossbrink, a spokesperson for the city, says, "So, it might allow us to restore service at a fire station that has been closed for several years. The exact deployment will depend on the fire department's strategic plan where we can best use these firefighters.
Even if San Jose is awarded the money, it's not a foregone conclusion the council would accept it, although it is likely.
Mayor Sam Liccardo says federal grants are helpful, but the city needs to make sure it has the money in the long term to make this work.
"It's important that we do this in a way that's sustainable. We don't want to simply hire somebody for a year or two and watch them walk out the door. So we've got to do this in a way that's responsible. I'm confident we can do that," he said.
City leaders hope they can get their budget in order to take on that cost in 2 years. But if they are awarded the grant, they will have the opportunity to turn down the money.
The grant would be announced in September.
