Miami, FL – The City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue (MFR) received notification that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded $2.6 Million to add 26 new firefighters to its staff. DHS notification recognizes the excellent work performed by our firefighters. This grant award responds to the needs of the City’s growing population (estimated to increase by 40,000 over the next 10 years) and addresses the challenges presented by Miami’s ever increasing urban environment, characterized by multiple significant target hazards, high resident density, and a significant population of immigrants.

“This funding will help ensure that our community has adequate emergency medical services and fire protection allowing for significant improvements in service to Miami residents and visitors,” said City Manager Joe Arriola.

With 14 Fire Stations and 634 certified firefighters, who are also certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or Paramedics, MFR provides firefighting and Emergency Medical Services to approximately 380,000 City of Miami residents in a 34 square mile area. This number increases to nearly 1.2 million during working hours. The City’s 9-1-1-call center handles more than 500,000 calls per year, of which more than 86,000 required Fire/EMS processing last year.

“The City of Miami has one of the busiest fire departments in the United States,” said Fire Chief William Bryson. “We are grateful that the federal government has recognized the importance of the work we do and the need to augment our workforce.”

The City Commission voted and accepted the grant so that recruitment for these firefighters may begin.