Spanish Fork Fire & EMS will hire 12 new firefighters using a $2 million federal grant to expand the department's full-time staff from 36 to 48 personnel, the City of Spanish Fork announced on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. The funding, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's SAFER grant program, will allow for four firefighters to staff each of the city's frontline fire engines during every shift.
Expanding Department Capacity
The staffing increase is intended to help the department meet operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Agency. According to the City of Spanish Fork, the decision to expand the frontline crew follows internal reviews and peer benchmarking used to evaluate community risk and response coverage. These evaluations identified the need for additional firefighters at both fire stations to strengthen emergency response.
Chief Eddie Hales said that using these federal resources allows the city to safeguard local tax dollars while maintaining its commitment to providing exceptional fire protection for residents, visitors, and first responders. The department plans to have the new positions filled within the first quarter of 2027.
Federal Funding Context
The $2 million award was part of a larger federal effort to support first responders. FEMA announced on Oct. 1, 2026, that it had awarded more than $2 million to Spanish Fork to enable the hiring of additional firefighters through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program.
This specific award contributed to a larger total of more than $3.7 million in fire grant funding awarded to Utah throughout 2026. Nationwide, FEMA has awarded $648 million through its three fire grant programs: Assistance to Firefighters Grants, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, and Fire Prevention and Safety.
Mission and Purpose
The SAFER grant program is administered by FEMA to help agencies obtain the staff, equipment, and support necessary for life-saving missions. FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton stated that the funding builds the capability of local organizations to respond to emergencies and strengthens the resilience of communities nationwide.
Operational Standards
The new staffing model ensures that both of the city's frontline fire engines will be staffed by four firefighters per shift, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This move is part of a data-driven approach by the department to deploy resources where they are most needed.
Regional Impact
The grant follows a period of significant federal investment in Utah's emergency services. Earlier in the month, FEMA had issued awards for three different fire grant programs to provide critical support to various first responder organizations across the state.
Future Service Standards
By increasing the headcount from 36 to 48 full-time personnel, Spanish Fork Fire & EMS aims to uphold its standard of service and drive continuous improvement in its response to community risks.
