Bartow, Fla. (Nov. 19, 2025) — Polk County Fire Rescue was awarded a $16-million federal grant to fund 50 new positions.
PCFR was awarded the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the 50 positions. The program is designed to help fire rescue departments nationwide increase and maintain staffing levels. It also helps with response and operational standards compliance.
PCFR Chief Shawn Smith is ready to start recruiting candidates for the new positions.
“Polk County Fire Rescue is excited to bring new talent into our organization with the help of the SAFER grant,” Smith said. “We are grateful for this new federal funding which will help us reach our staffing goals.”
The 50 new SAFER grant-supported firefighter positions are part of more than 100 positions PCFR is working to fill. The Polk County Board of County Commissioners recently approved funding for fire personnel positions.
PCFR encourages anyone interested in a career in firefighting to reach out to the department or visit https://www.polk-county.net/public-safety/fire-rescue/careers/.