Tester Delivers Grant For Belgrade Firefighters

Grant Will Fund Six New Firefighting Jobs, Keep Belgrade Safe

(U.S. Senate) – The Central Valley Fire District in Belgrade says it will be hiring six new firefighters, thanks to a nearly $1 million grant delivered by U.S. Senator Jon Tester.

This grant comes after Tester’s bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants recently became law.

“Firefighters risk their lives on our behalf every day,” Tester said. “This grant will ensure the Central Valley Fire District will have enough firefighters to get the job done and keep Belgrade safe.”

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

“With the rapid growth Central Valley Fire District is experiencing, as well as the increased dependence on local fire forces to address the national wildfire problem the ability to hire additional firefighters is essential,” said Central Valley Fire Chief Ron Lindroth. “These funds will allow us to have career firefighters available in the Four Corners community as early as next June.”

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, and last month Tester secured a SAFER grant for the Helena Fire Department enabling it to hire and train six additional firefighters.