The hope is that the skills learned and the connections made during the next four days will help improve the work and personal lives of the firefighters and potentially bring more women into the profession.
Stafford seeks federal funds to improve firefighter health, prevent injuries
Stafford County is applying for grant money to help improve the health and wellbeing of its firefighters.
The County’s Board of Supervisors approved an application for a grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The request asks for $930,000 to create programs to improve the department’s members’ physical and mental states.
Stafford County is required by the grant’s rules to contribute 10% of local funds to match the donation, which would come to $93,000.
According to County documents, between 2014 to 2019, the Stafford Fire and Rescue Department has experienced 124 workplace-related injuries. All combined, those injuries have resulted in 680 days of missed shifts, which can affect the department’s ability to handle emergencies on a consistent level.