Regional Fire Districts secure $1.43 million grant to boost volunteer recruitment

CHELAN — Chelan Fire & Rescue has been awarded a $1.43 million regional SAFER Grant to strengthen volunteer firefighter recruitment across four North Central Washington fire districts.

The four-year federal grant, officially known as Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, will fund a shared Recruitment and Retention Coordinator serving Chelan County Fire District 7 (Chelan Fire & Rescue), Fire District 5 (Manson), Fire District 8 (Entiat), and Douglas County Fire District 4 (Orondo).

Each year for the next four years, the program will cover the full costs for 25 new volunteer firefighters, including training, protective gear, uniforms, medical physicals, and books.

Chelan Fire & Rescue Chief Brandon Asher called the award “a game-changer for our region,” noting that volunteers are essential to emergency response in small communities. The funding, he said, ensures the ability “to recruit, equip, and retain the people we need now and into the future.”

Volunteer numbers have declined statewide even as emergency calls continue to climb. The SAFER Grant, administered by FEMA, is designed to reverse that trend by removing financial barriers for new recruits and ensuring departments can maintain adequate staffing.

Commissioner Mark Donnell said the collaboration between districts is key. “By working together as a region,” he said, “we are making sure our fire districts are ready to respond today, tomorrow, and for years to come.”

Chelan Fire & Rescue and its partner districts thanked FEMA for the support and encouraged community members to consider joining the ranks.

Those interested in volunteering can learn more at chelan7.com.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media