The City of Omaha has been awarded a $6. 8 million SAFER grant from FEMA, allowing the fire department to hire 18 additional firefighters in 2025. This funding will be allocated for salaries and benefits over three years, starting from March 2025. Mayor Jean Stothert expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its significance in enhancing the city's emergency services. The Omaha Fire Department plans to reactivate Engine 2, which was taken out of service in 2011, and introduce a new medic unit in the northeast corridor.

With the SAFER grant, the total number of sworn firefighters will rise to 701, surpassing the budgeted figure of 687. Additionally, the department is set to begin two recruit classes within the next 60 days, aiming to train approximately 44 new firefighters by the first quarter of 2025. The City Council unanimously passed the budget that included the SAFER grant, which Mayor Stothert had previously approved. The mayor also confirmed the acquisition of land for a new fire station, further demonstrating the city’s commitment to improving fire services.