02/10/2026
📣 📣 Indiana Fire Chiefs Association awarded $830,000 FEMA SAFER Grant for Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention 📣📣
Indianapolis, IN - (October 1, 2026) – The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA) has been awarded an $830,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant to support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention efforts across Indiana.
This award marks the third SAFER Grant received by the IFCA. With more than 70% of Indiana fire departments relying on volunteer personnel, the funding will help address ongoing staffing challenges and strengthen local emergency response capabilities.
The grant will support a statewide initiative based on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) national recruitment campaign, “A Hustle Worth Having”. The IFCA will partner with 10 volunteer and combination pilot fire departments to implement recruitment strategies, community outreach, and targeted digital marketing efforts.
Participating departments will receive access to resources including a GIS Recruitment Toolkit, customizable marketing materials, social media content, digital advertising resources, and recruitment templates designed to attract and retain volunteers.
The program will also focus on community education and public awareness, highlighting the critical role volunteer firefighters play in protecting Indiana communities. Special emphasis will be placed on engaging Generation Z through digital outreach that showcases volunteer firefighting as an opportunity to serve, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact.
"Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of many Indiana communities," said IFCA President James Richey. "This grant provides resources to help departments recruit new members, retain experienced volunteers, and ensure communities continue to receive the high-quality emergency services they depend on. We are honored to receive this funding and proud that FEMA has entrusted the IFCA with a third SAFER Grant award."
Implementation of the grant program will begin in the coming months in partnership with participating fire departments and local stakeholders across Indiana.
