$5.2M for Firefighters in Two Louisiana Parishes

St. Bernard and Lafayette, La., parishes will be able to hire more firefighters under federal grants they’re getting.

U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., says St. Bernard is getting $3.5 million and Lafayette $1.7 million under Federal Emergency Management Agency grants that seek to increase the number of firefighters around the nation. The funds fall under a program called the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response.

With the money, the parishes can hire new firefighters, retain firefighters facing layoffs, re-hire laid -off firefighters and hire volunteer firefighters.

Landrieu made the announcement Friday as the chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.