The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) awarded $1.3 million in funds to 89 fire departments in Kansas through the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program.
The grant was made possible through its budget passed by the State Legislature and signed by Governor Kelly.
An additional $1.2 million was made available to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for this grant by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with an $100,000 provided through the office’s budget.
This year, over $2.4 million was requested by 97 volunteer/part-time fire departments in Kansas for safety gear, washer/extractor machines and junior firefighter programs. Departments received close to $1.2 million to be used for safety gear, $106,000 for 20 washer/extractor machines, and $1,200 for the junior firefighter programs. Due to the high number of requests, OSFM will be requesting the 2023 Legislature to continue funding the grant.
A list of the departments receiving a 2023 grant award and more information on the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program can be found here.
