Palmerton Fire Department has received a $345,000 federal grant to improve recruitment and retention.

Firefighters and borough officials gathered at the borough fire station Wednesday afternoon for a ceremonial check passing.

Borough fire Chief Jason Behler said the four-year Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant is aimed at four specific target areas, and added “long-term steady growth is the goal.”

Behler said one of those target areas is for funding personal/protective gear for new recruits, with the main purpose being to get to 55 members at the end of the four-year grant.

“We’re hoping to gain at least 10 people,” Behler said. “Part of that is funding gear each year for the growth.”

Behler said another component of the grant is the marketing and recruitment strategy and for the department growth.

“The huge benefit to us is in the things that we’ve learned is obviously growing a department carries a big expense,” he said. “This will offset that.”

Behler said typically either the Firefighters Relief Association or the borough’s budget would have to fund gear replacement.

“It’s helping us provide the best protection we can by growing the department, but also offsetting the costs associated with that growth,” he said. “That’s why I feel it’s a win-win for everybody.”

Behler said the fire department is not only excited, but also extremely appreciative for the funding.

“It’s an exciting time; there’s a lot of buzz and excitement in the department attracting new people,” said Behler, who added the department recently just added three members, which takes it to 45, of which seven are junior firefighters,

This year alone, Behler said the fire department has responded to 96 fires.

“It’s an all-around good time right now to do this, and anybody that has some type of interest, we encourage them to come out on a Monday night when we have drills to see what it’s all about.”

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild helped secure the federal grant for the department.

Wild said she’s happy anytime she can help secure funding for volunteer fire departments who are the heroes that help keep their communities safe.

“I am delighted that the Palmerton Fire Department is receiving this crucial investment that will support their recruitment and retention practices,” Wild said. “I’m proud to have supported their application for this funding, and I will always work to get the necessary resources to our heroic firefighters who put their lives on the line every day.”

Palmerton Fire Department applied numerous times for this recruitment and retention grant funding without letters of support. Rep. Wild supported the department in finally securing this $345,000 SAFER Grant, sending a letter of support for their application earlier this year.

Palmerton Fire Department also recently received a $71,000 investment to install an exhaust removal system in department engine bays to reduce exposure to carcinogens. Rep. Wild worked to help deliver this funding as well, writing in support of Palmerton Fire Department’s application for this grant.

This exhaust removal system will be part of the PFD CARE (Carcinogen Awareness and Reduction to Exposure) initiative taking measures to reduce carcinogen exposure and reduce the risk of cancer in firefighters. Hazardous vehicle exhaust emissions are a health risk for firefighters, and a new exhaust removal system will capture these hazardous particulates – a key step in protecting firefighters’ health.

“It gives me great joy to help me shepherd it through the grant process,” Wild said. “I give my team all the credit.”