Despite a couple formalities, it appears city leaders intend on accepting the $489,704 FEMA SAFER grant.

“As we sit right now, we don’t see any issues with it,” said Cuyahoga Falls Finance Director Joe Brodzinski at Monday’s City Council meeting.

The six-figure sum, awarded to the city by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would cover salaries of four new firefighters for a two-year period.

Cuyahoga Falls Fire Chief Paul Moledor is in the process of working with FEMA to get some clarification on the grant’s requirements. Once he obtains the information he needs and gives it the green light, the mayor intends on “formally accepting it,” he said.

When approved, the new recruits could be hired on by this fall, give or take, depending on the training and testing process.  

 “As Union President of Local 494 Cuyahoga Falls Firefighters, I applaud the city and their effort in applying for this grant and recognizing the lack of manpower currently on the fire department's (71 man) roster,” according to David Witner. “I am delighted that we have received these funds and will be able to more safely serve the citizens of the city…”

At the meeting, it wasn’t made clear what steps would be taken by the city to pay for the firefighters’ salaries once the grant money runs out.

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