Carmel Fire Department pursues national grant
Funds would help sustain top standards
CARMEL, Ind., July 10, 2025 - As part of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in fire prevention and response, the Carmel Fire Department (CFD) has applied for federal funds that would increase the number of trained frontline firefighters for the community.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, helps communities enhance their ability to meet staffing, response and operational standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.
As part of its application, CFD requested support for:
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Coverage: Base salary and standard benefits package for first-year firefighters.
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Hiring request: Ability to hire 12 full-time firefighters to staff the future fire station on the northwest side of Carmel, which will be the City’s seventh station.
Grant recipients are required to contribute 25% of the actual costs incurred in the first and second years of the grant, and 65% in the third year. Of the $2,643,248 over the three years requested by the City in its application, CFD will be responsible for $1,643,100 over the same period.
Pursuit of the grant comes at a critical time for the City, as it looks to adjust its budget due to the recent enactment of state law that caps property tax increases and reduces property tax revenues. Given that more than 88% of the department’s budget is devoted to necessary personnel costs, funds to manage critical operational needs such as equipment, training and maintenance for six fire stations and 176 personnel are limited.
“This imbalance constrains our capacity to provide effective fire and emergency services,” said CFD Fire Chief Joel Thacker. “The grant will allow us to maintain our top standards, ensuring the safety of our firefighters and residents, as well as the protection of property.”
Public safety has remained a priority for Mayor Sue Finkam, who appointed a Mayor's Advisory Commission on Public Safety early in her administration, also overseeing the addition of a new CFD headquarters, expanded medical response teams at fire stations and the addition of critical equipment, including a Drone as First Responder program.
“Our residents appreciate living in Carmel for many reasons and the safety of our community is chief among them,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “Securing the SAFER grant will enable us to address critical staffing gaps, enhance community safety and continue ensuring the long-term sustainability of our fire department.”
Grant applicants are expected to be notified of their status in August, with funds expected to be available by the end of September.
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