The City of Shakopee has been awarded $2.6 million in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. This three-year grant will enable the city to hire 12 additional full-time firefighters, significantly enhancing the Shakopee Fire Department’s capacity to serve the growing community and surrounding areas.
City Administrator Bill Reynolds emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This is a transformational moment for our Fire Department and for public safety in Shakopee. The city has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, and this funding helps ensure our emergency services can keep pace with that growth and continue providing the highest level of protection to our residents.”
Currently, the Shakopee Fire Department comprises 15 full-time positions, including six administrative staff and nine full-time fire staff. The addition of 12 full-time firefighters through the SAFER grant will not only strengthen emergency response across the community but will also make it possible to provide full-time staffing from Fire Station 2 for the first time.
Fire Chief Joe Simon highlighted the impact of the grant, noting, “This grant represents a major step forward in our ongoing efforts to provide the most effective and efficient emergency response possible. The additional staffing will enhance our ability to respond quickly to fire and medical emergencies, improve firefighter and public safety, and support our mutual aid partners throughout the region.”
The city appreciates the support of federal and local partners who advocate for programs like FEMA’s SAFER grant, which help communities like Shakopee maintain strong public safety services.
The hiring process for the new full-time firefighters will commence immediately, with onboarding and training expected to begin in 2026. For more information about the grant and the upcoming changes to the Fire Department, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s official website.