Tester Delivers Win For Helena Firefighters

Grant Will Fund Six Additional Firefighting Jobs, Keep Helena Safe

(Missoula, Mont.) – As part of his effort to protect Montana families and boost emergency services across the state, U.S. Senator Jon Tester recently delivered a grant to the Helena Fire Department worth over $800,000 to hire and train more firefighters.

Tester secured the grant, which the Helena Fire Department says will directly support the hiring of six additional frontline firefighters, through the Department of Homeland Security’s SAFER Program. Tester’s bipartisan bill to reauthorize the SAFER program recently became law.

“Montana’s firefighters are heroes who rush into danger every day to protect our communities,” Tester said. “This grant will help the Helena Fire Department shore up its staffing needs, reduce the tax burden on local residents and keep Helena families safe.”

Local fire departments from across the nation apply through a competitive process for SAFER grants.

“We are incredibly thankful to Sen. Tester for his help in securing this grant, and on all the support he’s given us throughout the years,” said Helena Fire Department Chief Mark Emert. “This SAFER grant will allow us to hire six additional firefighters, so we’ll be able to better respond to emergency situations and keep our community safe.”

Tester has been a longtime supporter of Montana’s firefighters through SAFER grants. In 2018, he successfully fought for a $10 million increase in fire grants.