Congressman Fine Helps Secure Over $1.6 Million in FEMA Funds for Firefighters in Putnam County

Washington, June 16, 2026
Today, I’m proud to announce that Putnam County has been awarded $1,687,972.76 through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program.

Today, I’m proud to announce that Putnam County has been awarded $1,687,972.76 through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program.

This funding will allow Putnam County to hire and sustain 12 full-time firefighters for the next three years. Putnam County covers more than 827 square miles of rural Florida. As we've seen with the recent wildfires, so do the demands on our first responders. Every second counts when lives are on the line, and this grant means faster response times and better coverage for the families I represent.

“I appreciate Congressman Randy Fine’s continued support of programs that provide essential resources to local governments, help save lives, and strengthen the safety and resilience of rural communities. The SAFER Grant is absolutely vital to sustaining and strengthening our fire operations by funding critical frontline staffing, bolstering emergency response capabilities, and protecting public safety.

In rural communities like Putnam County, resources are often limited, and emergency personnel can be stretched thin across large service areas. SAFER Grants help ensure that trained firefighters and first responders are available when every second counts,” said Terry Suggs, Putnam County Administrator.

Back in September, I sent a letter urging support to the Secretary of Homeland Security making the case for this funding. I highlighted the urgent staffing shortages and the real needs of a growing rural county with limited resources. I’m glad DHS and FEMA listened and got this done.

Click here to see their response.

My office is here for you — spotting a problem, fighting for the solution, and actually delivering results for the people back home. Our rural communities deserve the same level of emergency protection as anywhere else in America, and this grant helps close that gap.

Putnam County has already accepted the award in the FEMA Grants Outcomes system, and the work to bring these new firefighters on board is underway. I will keep fighting every day to make sure the people of Florida’s 6th District have the resources they need to stay safe.