Springfield Considers Grant to Gain Firefighters

For the sixth consecutive year, Springfield is vying for a grant that would garner additional firefighters for the township at no charge, Administrator Anthony Cancro said during Monday’s committee meeting.

The grant, run through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, gives municipalities 100 percent reimbursement for fire fighters for a two-year period.

Cancro said, with the committee’s approval, the township will apply for the chance to hire five fire fighters without any obligation to keep them after the two years are up. The township would, however, be responsible for maintaining the exact number of fire fighters.

“If anybody leaves during that time, we would be obligated to fill that vacancy,” he said.

Cancro said the likelihood of Springfield obtaining the grant is slim due to the demographic breakdown of Springfield compared to some of the more urban communities. However, he said he believes it is still worth a shot.