ROCHELLE — The City of Rochelle is thrilled to announce receipt of a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant in the amount of $919,368.  This substantial award, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), allows the city to add three full-time firefighters to the Rochelle Fire Department. 

“I am so proud of our team,” said City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh.  “Obtaining a grant of this magnitude takes an extraordinary amount of time, effort and dedication. By investing in our fire department, we are investing in the safety and security of all Rochelle residents.”

The award announcement comes after a lengthy application process led by Chief Dave Sawlsville and coordinated by fire department staff including Lt. Jason Underwood, Firefighter Ben Johnson and Firefighter Tyler Carls. Chris Cardott and the City of Rochelle finance department provided a significant amount of data to support the grant application. 

“Our top priority has always been the safety and well-being of our residents,” Sawlsville said. “This grant will allow us to expand our team and ensure that we continue to provide the highest level of emergency services to our community.”

The SAFER Grant is awarded directly to fire departments to help increase and maintain the number of front-line staff.  The grant will be utilized in Rochelle as part of an initiative to increase the number of staff on each shift at the fire department. 

“Being awarded this grant is a great opportunity for our department, the city, and the citizens we serve,” Carls said. 

The Rochelle Fire Department is actively recruiting to fill these new positions through a testing process.  New recruits then begin a rigorous training program to ensure their readiness to serve.

“The department has been awaiting this announcement for some time and we are excited to move forward with testing and hiring,” Underwood said. 

Interested applicants should visit the City of Rochelle website at www.cityofrochelle.net to begin the application process for testing.  Applications must be received by Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.  Applicants will then move onto a written test and oral interview.  Qualifications and requirements are listed on the website. 

“We are grateful for this support and excited about the positive impact it will have on our department and the community we serve,” Johnson said.