By The Hub News Staff Reports
The City of Shakopee announced Oct. 21, that it has been awarded a $2.6 million federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. This three-year grant is designated to hire 12 additional full-time firefighters, marking a significant step forward for public safety in the growing community.
The addition of 12 full-time positions will nearly double the department’s current fire staff and will allow the Shakopee Fire Department to provide full-time staffing from Fire Station 2 for the first time.
City Administrator Bill Reynolds called the funding a “transformational moment for our Fire Department and for public safety in Shakopee,” noting that it “helps ensure our emergency services can keep pace with that growth and continue providing the highest level of protection to our residents.”
Fire Chief Joe Simon emphasized the operational benefits of the grant. “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,” he stated.
The City is set to begin the hiring process immediately, with onboarding and training for the new full-time firefighters expected to begin in 2026.
Visit the Shakopee FEMA Grant page for more information.