FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WCMH) – Franklin Township Fire Department was awarded the FEMA SAFER grant for fiscal year 2014 on Friday, July 10, ensuring it can fully staff its department again.

With the defeat of three previous fire levies and a decrease in local government funding, Franklin Township had decreased its fire department staffing to only 29 members, which is down from a full complement of staffing at 40 members.

Since November of 2014, Franklin Township Fire has laid off 5 firefighters and lost the other 6 through attrition. Due to the lack of staffing, Franklin Township Firefighters were unable to respond to emergencies with all pieces of apparatus, leaving fire engines and ambulances sitting in the station, out of service.

With the awarding of the FEMA SAFER grant, Franklin Township will be afforded the opportunity to fully staff the fire department for a period of no less than two years.

Franklin Township Fire Department is an integral part of the emergency services on the southwest and west side of Columbus and Franklin Township. Franklin Township responds to approximately 12,000 calls for service annually.

The official award announcement took place on Thursday at the Board of Trustees regular business meeting. There was also be a promotional ceremony for the new Fire Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant.